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    Home » Recipes » Main Courses » Penne Alla Vodka

    Penne Alla Vodka

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, see Disclosure.

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    This Penne Alla Vodka recipe combines tender pasta and prosciutto smothered in a rich and creamy tomato-based pink sauce. It's a comforting and flavorful Italian classic that the whole family will love.

    Penne Alla Vodka with basil and parmesan cheese on top
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    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why You'll Love This Penne alla Vodka Recipe
    • 🛒 Penne Alla Vodka Ingredients
    • 🔪 How to Make the Best Penne Alla Vodka
    • 💡 Tips for Making Penne Alla Vodka
    • ☑️ Storage Instructions
    • 🍴 What to Serve with this Creamy Penne Alla Vodka Recipe
    • 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
    • What Does the Vodka Do in Vodka Sauce?
    • What Type of Vodka Should I use in Penne Alla Vodka?
    • Can I Make this Penne Alla Vodka Recipe Without Vodka?
    • What Can I Do With Leftover Vodka?
    • 🍽️ More Pasta Recipes

    ❤️ Why You'll Love This Penne alla Vodka Recipe

    • Tender penne pasta smothered in a creamy tomato sauce
    • Prosciutto gives this pink sauce lots of great flavor
    • A classic Italian pasta dish made easy in around 30 minutes
    • Family friendly
    Penne Alla Vodka held up in black serving spoon

    When it comes to Italian cuisine, pasta dishes are always crowd favorites. And among the many choices, penne alla vodka stands out as a timeless classic that never disappoints. I've actually been making this sauce since I learned to cook and it's still one of my favorite dishes of all time.

    This recipe uses penne pasta in a creamy tomato-based sauce infused with vodka and the rich flavors of pan-sauteed prosciutto. As the vodka simmers, the alcohol cooks out, enhancing the velvety sauce and giving the dish a unique depth of flavor.

    closeup of penne Alla Vodka on fork

    If you love exploring new flavors of Italian dishes, you also try this Italian Spaghetti Squash Casserole and Shakshuka with Italian Sausage.

    🛒 Penne Alla Vodka Ingredients

    • Penne pasta
    • Crushed tomatoes
    • Diced tomatoes
    • Prosciutto
    • Heavy cream
    • Vodka
    • Garlic
    • Fresh basil
    • Tomato paste 
    • Olive oil
    • Salt
    • Ground black pepper
    • Parmesan cheese

    *Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

    🥣 Recommended Tools

    • Large skillet
    • Large pot

    🔪 How to Make the Best Penne Alla Vodka

    Heat a large skillet to medium-low and add in the olive oil and prosciutto.  Sauté for just a minute or so, you’re not looking to brown or crisp it up, just allow it to gently release it’s flavor.

    prosciutto being sauteed in skillet

    Add in the minced garlic and sauté for another 10 seconds. 

    prosciutto being sauteed in skillet

    Pour in the vodka to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits of flavor.  

    prosciutto being sauteed in skillet with vodka

    Allow the vodka to reduce slightly, then add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, salt, and pepper and stir to combine.

    tomatoes and basil in Penne Alla Vodka sauce

    Mix in the heavy cream and stir until you no longer see streaks in the sauce.

    heavy cream being poured into tomato sauce in skillet

    Simmer with the lid mostly covered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Penne Alla Vodka sauce in skillet

    15 minutes into the sauce cooking, heat a large pot with water to a boil.  Once boiling, add some salt and the penne. 

    Cook the penne according to the instructions on the package until it is almost al dente.  You want it slightly undercooked because it will finish cooking in the sauce.

    penne pasta in blue strainer

    Reserving a little of the pasta water, pour the almost completely cooked pasta into the sauce.

    penne pasta being poured into Penne Alla Vodka sauce in skillet

    Stir until the pasta is well coated and continue simmering until it is cooked through. If the sauce becomes too thick, add in a little pasta water. 

    Penne Alla Vodka with black serving spoon holding up some

    Serve with some (optional) parmesan cheese and a little more basil over the top. This Braciole Al Sugo would also pair beautifully with the penne.

    💡 Tips for Making Penne Alla Vodka

    • Don't overcook the prosciutto: Prosciutto is very delicate and cooks very quickly. While sautéing is not the time to walk away. It should only take a minute or two to crisp.
    • Simmer the vodka: Once you have deglazed the pan, allow enough time for the vodka to reduce some. The reduction adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
    • Save the pasta water: Pasta water is full of starch that cooks out of the pasta. This starchy water is a great way to adjust the sauce's consistency, if it becomes too thick.
    • Slightly undercook the pasta: Unlike pasta salad, the pasta in this recipe continues to cook as it simmers in the sauce. To prevent mushy pasta, strain it right before the al dente stage, then add it to the sauce to finish cooking.
    Penne Alla Vodka in white bowl with basil and parmesan cheese on top

    Also be sure to try this stuffed rigatoni pasta pie or this Zucchini Rollatini that both use ricotta, mozzarella cheese and Italian tomato-based sauces. This sun dried tomato pesto chicken pasta is also a great hearty and delicious dinner that's loaded with flavor!

    If you're looking for something that is vegan friendly, try this harissa pasta that is loaded with great flavor and made in under 30 minutes!

    ☑️ Storage Instructions

    This pasta dish is best served when freshly made, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Freezing only the sauce also recommended.

    🍴 What to Serve with this Creamy Penne Alla Vodka Recipe

    This pasta is hearty enough to serve as a main course, so adding an appetizer or salad either before or after would be ideal. Here are some great options to consider:

    • Burrata Caprese
    • Easy Bruschetta
    • Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction
    • Garlic Rolls
    • Antipasto Salad
    closeup of Penne Alla Vodka with basil and parmesan cheese on top

    🔄 Substitutions and Additions

    • Penne pasta: You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or rigatoni.
    • Prosciutto: You can use bacon or pancetta, if that's what you have on hand. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit it.
    • Heavy cream: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk.
    • Parmesan cheese: Instead of grated Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
    • Fresh veggies: You can add sautéed or vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
    • Protein: Consider adding chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
    • Spices: Experiment with spices like red pepper flakes for a little heat, or oregano for additional flavor.
    • Sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped sun-dried tomatoes can add a sweet and tangy flavor to the sauce.
    • Roasted red peppers: Sliced or chopped roasted red peppers can provide a smoky and sweet flavor.
    Penne Alla Vodka held up in black serving spoon

    What Does the Vodka Do in Vodka Sauce?

    The vodka helps to keep the sauce nice and creamy, acting as an emulsifier. Sure, you could use wine instead, but in a rich sauce like this, it's best to use a small about unflavored alcohol that adds incredible depth of flavor.

    What Type of Vodka Should I use in Penne Alla Vodka?

    You don't need a premium or super expensive vodka for cooking. A basic, unflavored vodka with at least 35% alcohol content works perfectly.

    Can I Make this Penne Alla Vodka Recipe Without Vodka?

    Yes, you can. If you want to omit alcohol, you can replace vodka with chicken or vegetable broth. If you don't mind the alcohol, you can use a nice drinkable wine like Pinot Grigio.

    Penne Alla Vodka in white bowl with basil and parmesan cheese on top and slice of bread on side

    What Can I Do With Leftover Vodka?

    If you have leftover vodka, here are some great ways to put it to good use:

    • Vanilla extract: In a glass bottle with a lid, add 3-4 vanilla beans that you have split lengthwise with a cup of vodka. Seal the container and give it a gentle shake. Store in a cool place for about 2 months, shaking once a day or so before using.
    • Stain remover: Vodka can be used to tackle tough stains on fabric. Add a few drops to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then blot or rub gently to lift the stain. Then wash the item as normal.
    • Jewelry cleaner: Vodka can be used to clean most jewelry, especially when mixed with a bit of dish soap. Soak your jewelry briefly and then scrub gently with a soft brush.

    🍽️ More Pasta Recipes

    • Street Corn Pasta Salad
    • Greek Pasta Salad
    • Easy Italian Pasta Salad
    • Stuffed Pasta Shells with Butternut Squash
    Penne Alla Vodka with basil and parmesan cheese on top

    Penne Alla Vodka

    This Penne Alla Vodka recipe combines tender pasta and prosciutto smothered in a rich and creamy tomato-based pink sauce.
    5 from 35 votes
    Author: Julianne
    Servings 10
    Print Pin
    Save Recipe Saved!
    PREP 5 minutes mins
    COOK 25 minutes mins
    TOTAL 30 minutes mins

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 pound penne pasta
    • 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
    • 15 ounce can diced tomatoes
    • 3 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • ½ cup vodka, flavorless
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
    • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • Optional: grated parmesan cheese

    Instructions
     

    • Heat a large skillet to medium low and add in the olive oil and prosciutto. Sauté for just a minute or so, you’re not looking to brown or crisp it up, just allow it to gently release it’s flavor.
    • Add in the minced garlic and sauté for another 10 seconds.
    • Pour in the vodka to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits of flavor.
    • Allow the vodka to reduce slightly, then add in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, salt and pepper and stir to combine.
    • Mix in the heavy cream and stir until you no longer see streaks in the sauce.
    • Simmer with the lid mostly covered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    • 15 Minutes into the sauce cooking, heat a large pot with water to boil. Once boiling, add in some salt and the penne. Cook the penne according to the instructions on the package until it is almost al dente. You want it slightly undercooked because it will finish cooking the sauce.
    • Reserving a little of the pasta water, pour the almost completely cooked pasta into the sauce.
    • Stir until the pasta is well coated and continue simmering until it is cooked through. If the sauce becomes too thick, add in a little pasta water.
    • Serve with some (optional) parmesan cheese and a little more basil over the top.

    Recipe Notes

    To make this gluten-free, just substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
    To make this vegetarian, omit the prosciutto.

    *Make sure to scroll up and read the post for substitutions, additions and helpful tips for making this recipe.

    Course Main Courses, Pasta
    Cuisine Italian
    Calories 330kcal
    Nutrition Facts
    Penne Alla Vodka
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    330
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    18
    g
    28
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    8
    g
    50
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    30
    g
    10
    %
    Fiber
     
    2
    g
    8
    %
    Sugar
     
    8
    g
    9
    %
    Protein
     
    5
    g
    10
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Rate this Recipe

    *Nutritional data is provided as a courtesy and is accurate to the best of my knowledge. You can verify it using the nutrition calculator of your choice. All data is based on net carbs, without sugar alcohol: Swerve, Erythritol, Monk Fruit or Allulose.

    © Copyright for Nutritious Deliciousness. Please use the share buttons to share on social media, but please do not copy/paste the recipe.

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      5 from 35 votes (34 ratings without comment)

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    1. Monica

      January 13, 2025 at 6:27 pm

      5 stars
      This looks absolutely amazing. Can’t wait to try it.

      Reply
      • Nutritious Deliciousness

        January 14, 2025 at 3:00 pm

        It's a simple and delicious dish that everyone loves. I hope you do too.

        Reply

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    Julianne

    I'm Julianne, welcome! Eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice great flavor.  I offer deliciously nutritious recipes that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied, with the occasional indulgence!

    More about me →

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