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 fan of creamy vodka sauce - and an even bigger fan of a 15-minute dinner. This recipe gives you that silky, restaurant-style richness without the wait. It's tomato-forward, perfectly balanced with cream, and easy to pair with wine, grilled chicken, shrimp, or burrata.
As a cookbook author and professional recipe developer, I love recipes that feel elevated but are simple to make. This creamy vodka pasta is exactly that.
Start by boiling salted water and cooking your pasta until al dente - and don't forget to reserve a mug of pasta water for that glossy finish. While it cooks, build the sauce with butter, garlic, tomato paste, and sauce. Add vodka, a splash of pasta water, and heavy cream, then let it simmer until smooth and silky.
Fold in freshly grated parmesan, toss with the pasta, and you'll have a creamy vodka sauce that tastes indulgent but comes together effortlessly.
If you're looking for more pasta recipes, check out our Mushroom Pasta, Lemon Ricotta Pasta, or Garlic Lemon Pantry Pasta recipes.
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Is This Like Carbone's Spicy Rigatoni?
If you love my Copycat Carbone Spicy Rigatoni, you'll love this creamy vodka pasta.
The difference?
- This version is milder and family-friendly
- No heavy spice unless you add it
- Faster - ready in just 15 minutes
- Uses pantry staples
If you want bold and spicy restaurant-style pasta, go for the Carbone copycat.
If you want easy, weeknight-friendly comfort food, this creamy vodka sauce is your answer.
Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Ready in 15 minutes
- Creamy, restaurant-style vodka sauce
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Customizable heat level
- Perfect for weeknights but elegant enough for guests
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!
Cook the pasta
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.
Start the sauce
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.
Finish sauce
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.Â
Serve
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.Â
- Add Herbs - I love serving this with fresh herbs like fresh basil or fresh oregano.Â
- 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.Â
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
Yep! Grilled chicken is an excellent addition to penne alla vodka. Some other great options would also be braised short ribs or sautéed shrimp.
Yes. When vodka is simmered in the sauce, most of the alcohol cooks off. What remains is flavor enhancement - not alcohol content.
If you're sensitive to alcohol, let the sauce simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce further.
You can substitute:
- Half-and-half (lighter texture)
- Full-fat coconut milk (dairy-free option)
- Cashew cream (blend soaked cashews with water)
Keep in mind: heavy cream gives the sauce its signature richness.
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:Â 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
Super Easy 15 Minute Vodka Pasta Recipe
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!
Did You Make This Recipe?
Leave a comment below or tag us @tasting.with.tina on Instagram!
Audrey says
I love how quick this recipe is!
Tasting With Tina says
Quick recipe are the best!!
Alexandra says
A delicious recipe that our family love - great flavours, and so quick to prepare!
Tasting With Tina says
So happy you enjoyed it!
Michelle @ Taste As You Go says
This looks luscious! I love how simple your recipe is. Thanks for sharing!
Tasting With Tina says
Yay! So happy you like it!
Jessica Formicola says
You can't beat a dinner that is ready in only 15 minutes! Looks amazing and I can't wait to try it!
Tasting With Tina says
I couldn't agree more!! I hope you love it!
Maddie says
What a delicious treat for a weeknight. Thanks for sharing this!
Tasting With Tina says
So happy you liked it!
Addison says
Such a quick and easy recipe that’s packed with flavor!
Tasting With Tina says
Yay! So glad you enjoyed!
Julia says
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!
Tasting With Tina says
This is your sign!! Enjoy!
Amanda Marie says
It was so easy, and better than anything I've had in a restaurant.
Tasting With Tina says
I'm SO happy to hear that!
Ramona says
This pasta dish looks absolutely mouthwatering - will be our dinner today!
Tasting With Tina says
It's so good! I know you'll love it!
Chahinez says
Ooops I just licked my screen this looks phenomenal!
Tasting With Tina says
It's soooo good! You'll love it!
Emily Tesmer says
So easy & so delicious!! I made it for friends and they thought I spent all day in the kitchen!
Tasting With Tina says
Yay so happy you and your friends loved it! It's one of my favorite recipes!
Joe Conner says
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.
Christina Musgrave says
This is one of our favorites too! So great for a crowd. Thanks for making the recipe!
Kennedy says
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!
Christina Musgrave says
Thanks so much, Kennedy, it makes me so happy to hear this!