There's nothing quite like the indulgent richness of Creamy Vodka Pasta to elevate a simple dinner into a gourmet experience. The way the creamy tomato sauce clings to the pasta, with just a hint of vodka cutting through for balance, makes every bite irresistible.

The first time I tried this dish, it was at a small Italian bistro during a date night, and it was love at first bite. After experimenting in my kitchen, I’ve recreated that luxurious flavor in a recipe that’s quick, easy, and perfect for a cozy night at home. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Vodka Pasta
Get ready to fall head over heels for this decadent pasta dish. Creamy Vodka Pasta is a true weeknight hero with a flavor profile that feels restaurant-quality, but it's simple enough for any home cook.
- Effortless Elegance: With minimal prep and simple techniques, this dish can be whipped up in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and last-minute dinner parties.
- Velvety, Luxurious Sauce: The combination of heavy cream, vodka, and a touch of tomato paste creates a luscious, tangy, and slightly smoky sauce that coats every piece of pasta beautifully.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or impressing guests, this pasta is always a hit. The flavors are approachable yet sophisticated.
- Customizable: While delicious as is, this recipe is easily adaptable. Add proteins like chicken or shrimp, or sneak in veggies like spinach or mushrooms.
With all these reasons to love it, it’s no surprise this recipe quickly became a staple in my kitchen.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Creamy Vodka Pasta lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to create a perfect balance of flavors, and together, they create magic in every bite.
- Pasta: Traditionally, penne is the star of vodka pasta, thanks to its tubular shape that holds the sauce beautifully. However, you can use other options like rigatoni or farfalle for a fun twist.
- Tomato Paste: This forms the base of the sauce, giving it a rich, concentrated flavor. Opt for a high-quality paste for the best results.
- Vodka: The subtle sharpness of vodka enhances the tomato’s natural sweetness while bringing out the creaminess of the sauce. Don’t worry – the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind just the flavor.
- Heavy Cream: The key to that luscious texture, heavy cream transforms the sauce into a velvety dream. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, though the richness might be slightly reduced.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish to the dish. Freshly grated is best, but pre-grated works in a pinch.
- Aromatics (Onion and Garlic): These create the flavor foundation, adding depth and a savory backbone to the sauce.
- Butter and Olive Oil: Combining these fats gives the sauce both richness and a hint of fruity flavor from the olive oil.
If you have a large skillet and a sturdy pot for boiling pasta, you’re all set on equipment!
How To Make This Creamy Vodka Pasta

Creating this indulgent pasta dish is easier than you might think. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a bowl of creamy perfection on your table in no time.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your penne (or pasta of choice) until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat a mixture of butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add finely diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Build the Sauce: Add tomato paste to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until it deepens in color, about 2-3 minutes. Pour in the vodka, stirring to deglaze the pan and let it simmer for a minute or two to reduce slightly.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to meld with the tomato paste. Toss in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Dish up the pasta and sprinkle with additional Parmesan and fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
From start to finish, you’ll spend no more than 30 minutes creating this restaurant-worthy dish.
Storage Options
Got leftovers? This dish keeps beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or a late-night snack.
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce.
- Freeze: Cream-based sauces can sometimes separate upon freezing, but this pasta holds up surprisingly well. Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: For best results, reheat over low heat on the stove with a bit of reserved pasta water or additional cream to revive the sauce’s creamy texture.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is as versatile as it is delicious, making it easy to customize to your taste or dietary needs.
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even Italian sausage to make it a heartier meal.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Toss in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish celiac-friendly.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream alternative, like coconut cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for a touch of heat.
No matter how you customize it, this dish is bound to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
Creamy, comforting, and full of flavor, Creamy Vodka Pasta is a dish that brings joy to the table. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this recipe is sure to impress. What are you waiting for? Grab your apron and get cooking – this indulgent pasta is calling your name!
PrintCreamy Vodka Pasta Perfection Recipe
This creamy vodka pasta recipe is the perfect comfort food! Made with smooth vodka sauce, tender pasta, and a touch of creaminess, it’s a quick and easy dish for weeknights or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup vodka
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in the vodka and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Stir in tomato sauce and cook for 5 minutes. Add red pepper flakes if using.
- Reduce the heat to low and mix in the heavy cream. Simmer until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, garnish with fresh basil, and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute vodka with chicken broth if you prefer an alcohol-free version.
- For added protein, toss in grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
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