There’s something irresistibly smooth and comforting about a pasta coated in a luscious sauce, and that’s exactly what you get with this Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe. The rich, velvety sauce paired with the tender penne is a total weeknight winner that feels fancy—without the fuss.

A white bowl filled with creamy orange penne pasta coated in sauce, topped with finely shredded white cheese and small green herb pieces, along with a few red pepper flakes scattered on top. A silver fork stands inside the bowl on the right side. In the background, there is another white bowl with the same pasta, and a blurred bottle with blue and white label. The bowl sits on a beige cloth on a white marbled surface with a small block of cheese and a grater to the bottom right of the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I seriously can’t get enough of this creamy vodka penne pasta recipe—it’s my go-to for easy yet impressive dinners. The sauce straddles that perfect spot between tangy tomato and indulgent creaminess, with a little vodka magic that wakes up the flavors.

Balanced Flavor: The vodka adds complexity without overpowering, making the sauce taste layered and rich.
Quick & Easy: It comes together in about 20 minutes, so you’ll have dinner on the table fast.
Perfectly Creamy: The combo of tomato paste, cream, and parmesan creates a silky sauce that clings to every piece of penne.
Super Versatile: You can customize it easily, whether you want to skip the alcohol or add a little heat.

The image shows a close-up of creamy orange pasta penne coated in smooth sauce, with layers of shredded cheese sprinkled on top, adding a soft, textured contrast. Small red chili flakes are scattered lightly across the pasta, adding tiny pops of dark red color. A silver spoon scoops some pasta from the right side, showing the sauce's thick and rich texture on the noodles. The dish sits on a white plate over a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe plays a key role. From the pasta that holds that dreamy sauce, to the vodka that brightens it up, here’s why you want each one in your shopping basket (plus a little tip or two):

Flat lay of a small mound of uncooked penne pasta, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl of thick pale cream, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of clear vodka, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl of red chili flakes, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a small pile of finely diced white onion, two whole garlic cloves with papery skins intact, a small pile of finely chopped fresh green parsley leaves, and a small block of pale yellow parmesan cheese with a fine grater scraping a small heap of fluffy grated parmesan on a simple white ceramic plate, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Penne or Ziti: These tubular shapes trap that sauce perfectly, giving you a bite of creaminess in every forkful.
Olive Oil: Adds a gentle, fruity base for sautéing the aromatics without overpowering the sauce.
Onion: When finely diced, it melts quietly into the sauce offering a subtle sweetness.
Garlic: Just a couple of cloves add that cozy aromatic kick that’s key to Italian cooking.
Tomato Paste: This thick, concentrated punch of tomato flavor is the backbone of the sauce’s rich color and tang.
Heavy Cream (or Double Cream): Creates the signature lusciousness that blankets every bit of pasta.
Vodka: It lifts and balances the sauce with a subtle complexity, no boozy punch left behind.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Just a pinch brings warmth and depth if you like a gentle kick.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors forward.
Fresh Parmesan: Melts beautifully into the sauce, adding nutty, salty richness.
Pasta Cooking Water: Don’t skip this gem—it helps loosen the sauce and helps it cling to the pasta like a dream.
Parsley (optional): Fresh chopped parsley adds a bright, herbal finish, but it’s totally optional based on your preference.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with this creamy vodka penne pasta recipe because it’s so adaptable. Depending on what you have in your pantry or your taste buds’ mood, there are a few tweaks you can make that work beautifully.

Variation: I sometimes swap the vodka for chicken broth when cooking for little ones or when I want to keep it alcohol-free. The sauce still tastes wonderful, just a little less sharp but still creamy and comforting.
Add Some Heat: If you like spice, don’t hesitate to increase the red pepper flakes — it adds a nice warmth that balances the cream.
Veggie Boost: I’ve added sautéed mushrooms or spinach just before tossing in the pasta — it’s an easy way to sneak in some greens without changing the sauce too much.
Protein Power: Grilled chicken or crispy pancetta on top turns it into a hearty, full meal.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Just Right

Bring a large pot of salted water to a roiling boil and add your penne. Cook until just al dente, as you’ll want it to finish cooking in the sauce to soak up that creamy goodness. Right before draining, stir the pasta to agitate the starch and scoop out about 1 cup of that starchy cooking water—it’s gold later for your sauce!

Step 2: Sauté Onion & Garlic to Sweeten

In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the finely diced onion and garlic, cooking gently for about 1½ minutes until translucent and fragrant. Keep the dice small so they melt into the sauce without a crunch—trust me, it makes a huge difference.

Step 3: Deepen Flavor with Tomato Paste

Add the tomato paste to your onion and garlic, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes. You’ll see it darken and intensify in color — this little step builds that signature rich tomato base. If it starts catching on the bottom, reduce your heat to keep it from burning.

Step 4: Simmer Your Creamy Vodka Sauce

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to fully blend with the tomato paste. Sprinkle in your red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Finally, add the vodka and let the sauce gently simmer for about 3 minutes. This lets the alcohol mellow while keeping the flavor complexity intact.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan & Toss

Stir in the freshly grated parmesan off the heat until melted and silky. Then add the drained pasta along with ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything over medium heat for 1 to 1½ minutes, letting the sauce cling and thicken around the pasta. If it feels too thick, use a splash more pasta water to loosen it up. Serve immediately!

Top Tip

From making this Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few handy tricks to make it fail-proof and extra delicious every time you try it yourself.

Reserve Starchy Pasta Water: Don’t drain your pasta and skip this step—this water is what helps the sauce cling and keeps it creamy without being heavy.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese can make your sauce grainy; a microplane grater gives you that smooth melt and real flavor.
Simmer Gently: Keep the sauce on low-medium heat to avoid scorching your tomato paste, and to let the vodka infuse subtly without burning off too quickly.
Warm Your Bowls: It’s a small touch that prolongs the pleasure—warm bowls keep the creamy sauce luscious longer as you enjoy your meal.

How to Serve Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top mine with an extra dusting of freshly grated parmesan and a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley. The parsley cuts through the richness with a fresh, herbaceous note and makes the dish feel polished and ready for guests. A quick crack of black pepper on top never hurts either!

Side Dishes

Garlic bread or a simple toasted baguette on the side is a must—it’s perfect for mopping up that decadent sauce. I also love serving a crisp Italian salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette to balance out the creaminess with some brightness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I sometimes drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle some chopped fresh basil over the top. Or, for a fun twist, serving the pasta in individual ramekins or alongside a charcuterie board makes the meal feel extra special and shared.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the pasta cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This sauce actually keeps really well—thicker than most cream sauces—so it lasts 3 to 4 days. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

I personally haven’t frozen this pasta often because it’s so quick to make fresh, but in a pinch, freezing is possible. Just be aware the cream sauce might separate slightly upon thawing, so it’s best reheated gently with a splash of cream or milk stirred in to smooth it out.

Reheating

Microwave leftovers in short bursts, stirring well and adding a tablespoon or two of pasta water or cream to revive the sauce’s silky texture. Alternatively, reheat gently in a pan over low heat with similar additions. This approach keeps the sauce smooth and the pasta tender.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this sauce without alcohol?

Absolutely! You can swap the vodka for chicken broth or dry white wine, which will keep the sauce flavorful even without the alcohol content. If avoiding alcohol completely, chicken stock is your best bet.

What kind of cream should I use?

Heavy cream or double cream works best because of its richness that lends the sauce its signature creaminess. However, low-fat cream or single cream can be used if needed, although the sauce may be slightly lighter.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and gently reheat it before tossing with freshly cooked pasta. Just be sure to add a little pasta water or cream while reheating to maintain that luscious texture.

What’s the best pasta to use?

Penne or ziti are perfect because their hollow shapes hold the creamy sauce well. Rigatoni is another excellent choice, as are similar tubular pastas. Avoid very thin noodles, as they won’t hold the sauce as nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s comfort food elevated without any soothed complexity in the process. It’s those meals that feel like a treat but aren’t a hassle that keep me coming back—and I know you’ll enjoy it just as much. So grab some penne, and let’s get saucing!