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    Recipes » Super Easy 15 Minute Vodka Pasta Recipe

    Super Easy 15 Minute Vodka Pasta Recipe

    Feb 1, 2021 · 26 Comments

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    Vodka sauce doesn't need to be difficult! This super easy 15 minute vodka pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, romantic date nights, or even meal prep.

    Recipe Inspiration

    I'm such a huge fan of vodka sauce, and even a bigger fan of 15 minute meals, so this recipe is just a winner! It's tasty but not too overpowering, and can be paired nicely with wine and proteins. 

    This recipe is super easy. You'll start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta to package directions, and make sure you save a mug full of pasta water before you drain the pasta!

    While the water is boiling, heat butter in a large skillet. Sauté garlic, then add salt, pepper, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. You'll let simmer for a few minutes, then add vodka, pasta water, and heavy cream, and let simmer again.

    Finally, you'll fold in the cheese, add the pasta, and stir to combine! The final result is a silky, cheesy, delicious pasta that you won't be able to stop eating!

    You'll definitely want to keep this in your regular dinner rotation!

    If you're looking for more pasta recipes, check out our Mushroom Pasta, Lemon Ricotta Pasta, or Garlic Lemon Pantry Pasta recipes.

    Jump to:
    • Recipe Inspiration
    • Why You'll Love this Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Directions
    • Kitchen Equipment
    • Recipe Substitutions/Variations
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Recipe Storage and Reheating
    • Other Recipes to Try
    • Super Easy 15 Minute Vodka Pasta Recipe

    Why You'll Love this Recipe

    Delicious - This homemade vodka sauce recipe is so delicious. Each bite is of this pink sauce is packed with the best flavor that your family will truly love! It's really a perfect dish for the whole family.

    Approachable - This recipe is approachable and is easy to make. You only need a few kitchen tools to make this great recipe. The best part of this pasta recipe is easy enough to make for a weeknight, but also fancy-feeling enough to make for a date night! I love serving with a side of garlic bread and a glass of red wine.

    Easy - This dish looks like it came from the kitchen of a local Italian restaurant, but is so easy to make!

    Ingredients

    Here are the ingredients you will need for this recipe:

    • Unsalted Butter
    • Garlic - Minced
    • Kosher Salt - Or sea salt
    • Black Pepper
    • Tomato Paste - This helps thicken the sauce
    • Tomato Sauce - Adds tomato flavor to balance out the cream. You can also use canned tomatoes if you prefer a chunky sauce.
    • Vodka - You can use any vodka you have on hand. Don't worry, the alcohol will cook off!
    • Heavy Cream - You can also use half and half
    • Grated Parmesan Cheese
    • Pasta - I love this sauce with a variety of different pasta shapes

    Directions

    Let's make this recipe together!

    Step 1

    Heat a large pot of salted water over high heat. When water is boiling, cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water.

    Step 2

    While pasta is cooking, in a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add garlic. Sauté for one minute, until fragrant. Add salt, pepper, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Cook for 3 minutes.

    Step 3

    Add vodka and stir. Add 1 cup of pasta water and heavy cream. Stir and let simmer for two minutes. Add cooked pasta and toss in the sauce. 

    Step 4

    Turn heat to low, and fold in parmesan cheese. Once combined, add pasta to the pan. If needed, add more pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Serve with more parmesan and enjoy! I also love topping with fresh basil.

    Kitchen Equipment

    Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this vodka sauce recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.

    Large Skillet - You'll want a high quality large skillet with enough room to make the sauce and add the pasta.

    Pasta Bowl - I love serving pasta in good quality pasta bowls. They're perfect for a variety of dishes, so they're super versatile!

    Recipe Substitutions/Variations

    Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this pasta alla vodka recipe.

    Make it Spicy - Add a kick with some red pepper flakes. It will give a bit of heat to this pasta dish. 

    Add Herbs - I love serving this with fresh herbs like fresh basil or fresh oregano. 

    Sauce Texture - This is a smooth vodka sauce, but if you like texture in your sauces, you can always add San Marzano Tomatoes for a chunky sauce. 

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is vodka sauce?

    Vodka sauce, also traditionally known as Penne alla Vodka, is a creamy Italian pasta sauce with vodka, tomatoes, garlic, and cheese. It's a great sauce for pastas that have holes, like penne or rigatoni.

    What does vodka do in vodka sauce?

    Vodka adds depth to the sauce - it's doesn't add it's own taste, but it does enhance the flavor of other ingredients. It's a great addition to bring out flavors of garlic, cheese, and tomato in a sauce.

    Can you add protein to vodka sauce?

    Yep! Grilled chicken is an excellent addition to penne alla vodka. Some other great options would also be braised short ribs or sautéed shrimp.

    Recipe Storage and Reheating

    Here are storage and reheating instructions for this creamy tomato sauce recipe.

    Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight continuer and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.

    Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.

    Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm.

    Other Recipes to Try

    • Spaghetti alla Nerano
    • Roasted Italian Cauliflower
    • Negroni Spritz
    • French Martini

    Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to leave us a star rating below! Plus, find us on Instagram and Pinterest.


    Super Easy 15 Minute Vodka Pasta Recipe

    Vodka sauce doesn't need to be difficult! This super easy 15 minute vodka pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, romantic date nights, or even meal prep.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Course Dinner
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 507.65 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
    • 2 garlic cloves minced
    • Pinch of salt and pepper
    • 6 oz tomato paste
    • 1 cup tomato sauce
    • ¼ cup vodka
    • ½ cup heavy cream
    • ½ cup grated parmesan plus more for serving
    • 1 lb pasta

    Instructions
     

    • Heat a large pot of salted water over high heat. When water is boiling, cook pasta according to package directions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
    • While pasta is cooking, in a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add garlic. Sauté for one minute, until fragrant.
    • Add salt, pepper, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Cook for 3 minutes.
    • Add vodka and stir. Add 1 cup of pasta water and heavy cream. Stir and let simmer for two minutes.
    • Turn heat to low, and fold in parmesan cheese. Once melted, add pasta to the pan. If needed, add more pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Serve with more parmesan and enjoy!
    Keyword Easy Vodka Sauce
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Audrey says

      February 03, 2021 at 5:34 pm

      I love how quick this recipe is!

      Reply
      • Tasting With Tina says

        February 04, 2021 at 12:05 pm

        Quick recipe are the best!!

        Reply
    2. Alexandra says

      February 03, 2021 at 7:53 pm

      A delicious recipe that our family love - great flavours, and so quick to prepare!

      Reply
      • Tasting With Tina says

        February 04, 2021 at 12:05 pm

        So happy you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    3. Michelle @ Taste As You Go says

      February 03, 2021 at 11:04 pm

      This looks luscious! I love how simple your recipe is. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Tasting With Tina says

        February 04, 2021 at 12:06 pm

        Yay! So happy you like it!

        Reply
    4. Jessica Formicola says

      February 04, 2021 at 4:17 pm

      You can't beat a dinner that is ready in only 15 minutes! Looks amazing and I can't wait to try it!

      Reply
      • Tasting With Tina says

        February 04, 2021 at 8:47 pm

        I couldn't agree more!! I hope you love it!

        Reply
    5. Maddie says

      February 04, 2021 at 4:55 pm

      What a delicious treat for a weeknight. Thanks for sharing this!

      Reply
      • Tasting With Tina says

        February 04, 2021 at 8:47 pm

        So happy you liked it!

        Reply
    6. Addison says

      February 04, 2021 at 10:03 pm

      Such a quick and easy recipe that’s packed with flavor!

      Reply
      • Tasting With Tina says

        February 05, 2021 at 11:24 am

        Yay! So glad you enjoyed!

        Reply
    7. Julia says

      February 04, 2021 at 10:30 pm

      Wow, you read my mind. Last month I kept going on and on about how I was going to make vodka pasta but never did. I can't say no to a 15 minute recipe!

      Reply
      • Tasting With Tina says

        February 05, 2021 at 11:24 am

        This is your sign!! Enjoy!

        Reply
    8. Amanda Marie says

      February 06, 2021 at 7:12 am

      It was so easy, and better than anything I've had in a restaurant.

      Reply
      • Tasting With Tina says

        February 06, 2021 at 12:29 pm

        I'm SO happy to hear that!

        Reply
    9. Ramona says

      February 06, 2021 at 8:54 am

      This pasta dish looks absolutely mouthwatering - will be our dinner today!

      Reply
      • Tasting With Tina says

        February 06, 2021 at 12:28 pm

        It's so good! I know you'll love it!

        Reply
    10. Chahinez says

      March 19, 2021 at 4:01 pm

      Ooops I just licked my screen this looks phenomenal!

      Reply
      • Tasting With Tina says

        March 22, 2021 at 10:20 am

        It's soooo good! You'll love it!

        Reply
    11. Emily Tesmer says

      June 23, 2021 at 4:23 pm

      So easy & so delicious!! I made it for friends and they thought I spent all day in the kitchen!

      Reply
      • Tasting With Tina says

        June 24, 2021 at 9:15 am

        Yay so happy you and your friends loved it! It's one of my favorite recipes!

        Reply
    12. Joe Conner says

      February 06, 2022 at 1:04 pm

      5 stars
      I am not much of a cook but this was such an easy recipe. It took me 15 minutes and my friends and I loved it! Will be making it again soon.

      Reply
      • Christina Musgrave says

        February 06, 2022 at 1:45 pm

        This is one of our favorites too! So great for a crowd. Thanks for making the recipe!

        Reply
    13. Kennedy says

      July 25, 2022 at 7:22 pm

      5 stars
      LOVED this recipe! We typically make red sauce by scratch and it takes hours. This recipe was so quick and tasted SOO good! Can’t believe you can make gourmet sauce so easily!

      Reply
      • Christina Musgrave says

        July 26, 2022 at 11:46 am

        Thanks so much, Kennedy, it makes me so happy to hear this!

        Reply

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