Creamy Vodka Sauce Recipe – Easy, Flavorful, and Perfect for Pasta

ByDiane
20 Comments
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Penne alla vodka, simply put penne pasta with creamy vodka sauce recipe. It’s simple and delicious, and a recipe you’ll make again and again. 

how to make vodka sauce, penne alla vodka sauce recipe createdbydiane  

You will not believe how easy it is to make this fabulous pasta sauce. It’s almost too easy.

You’ll think there is more to it, but I’m sharing all my secrets on this one, but let us let everyone think it’s WAY more difficult than it is, OK?!

Penne-Spicy-Vodka-SauceIngredients for a great vodka sauce

  • vodka
  • heavy cream
  • tomato sauce 
  • crushed red pepper flakes
  • salt and pepper

This sauce will coat a pound of pasta nicely, and can be easily multiplied for more portions.

This is not only great over pasta but makes a great-tasting pizza sauce too.

It’s great with meatballs, chicken, 

 

In a medium saucepan, heat the tomato sauce and vodka,

Stir in cream. (simmer sauce over medium heat)

Don’t boil cream sauces, a small bubble simmer is best, if boiled, the sauce can separate and become grainy.

Add crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.

Heat thoroughly.

Serve over one pound of cooked Pasta. Top with grated cheese.

 

I served this with toasted bread with pesto sauce and spicy Italian sausage, it’s a delicious meal that only takes minutes to make.
 
 
 
 

This is a go-to meal, once you make it, you’ll most likely make it again and again.

Vodka sauce is creamy and delicious!

Penne and vodka Sauce @createdbydiane

 

You’ll want the tomatoes and the sauce to be smooth.

Blend it with an immersion blender, smooth if needed, especially if you add onions, or the tomatoes are chunky.

creamy vodka sauce createdbydiane

How do you make vodka sauce taste better?

It all starts with great-tasting tomatoes (canned San Marzano) or your favorite pasta sauce.

There are so many things you could add to make it more to your liking.

  • Add some fresh basil
  • fresh or dry oregano
  • Sauté fresh garlic in some oil before adding the other ingredients
  • Add diced onions to the pan first
  • Instead of using sliced sausage, if you want to add meat, add ground beef or ground sausage. Sauté the meat first (with garlic if you choose), then add the remaining ingredients for a rich-tasting sauce.
  • If you want a cheesy sauce, add in a half-cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
simple vodka sauce recipe createdbydiane
Flavor add-ins can be adjusted depending on which type of tomato sauce you’re using and how flavorful it is.
 
Add diced onion and fresh garlic, and/or oregano. Other options are basil, want more buttery richness, add a tablespoon or two of butter.
 
 
If you like LEMON, give this fun Lemon Vodka Sauce recipe a try.
 
You can substitute half and half for heavy cream, and you can add butter to the sauce for a silky and rich flavor. You can also reduce the amount of vodka to your taste. 
penne with chicken meatballs with creamy vodka sauce createdbydiane
Add in your favorite protein. I love chicken meatballs, these meatballs were made with chopped fresh spinach. And these meals are all ready to eat. Making them perfect for Meal Prep! Check out my Meal Prep here.
 
Finally, top the dishes of pasta and vodka sauce with cheese.
 
 Add Parmesan or Romano Cheese. Parmesan is a bit on the sweeter side, Romano is more salty (and my personal favorite).

Penne and vodka Sauce @createdbydiane

Vodka sauce is a rich, creamy tomato sauce with a smooth texture and a hint of tang. It’s made by combining tomatoes, cream, garlic, and a splash of vodka, which helps bring out the sweetness of the tomatoes and balance the flavors.

The vodka cooks off, leaving behind a subtle depth that makes the sauce irresistible. It’s perfect tossed with pasta like penne or rigatoni, topped with cheese (Parmesan or Romano Cheese). And can be used for a base for pizza, baked pasta dishes, and seafood recipes.

how to make vodka sauce, penne alla vodka sauce recipe createdbydiane
Print Recipe

Vodka Sauce

This delicious smooth creamy pasta sauce has a really great kick from the vodka (alcohol gets cooked off) and a hint of spice from the crushed red pepper flakes.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: sauce
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: sauce
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Diane Schmidt - createdbydiane.com

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Vodka add more vodka for less sweetness in the sauce and more tanginess.
  • 1/2 cup cream
  • 3-4 cups tomato sauce tomato sauce, marinara sauce or homemade tomato sauce
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • pinch salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, heat tomato sauce and vodka, until it comes to a simmer. (small bubbles)
    Alternatively, If you're using tomatoes... saute onion, garlic, crushed red pepper in oil, add crushed or peeled tomatoes, then add vodka, simmer, then add cream. Add oregano and/or basil.
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Heat thoroughly.
  • Add in the heavy cream. Heat on medium-low temperature.
  • Serve over one pound of cooked Pasta.
  • Top with grated Parmesan or Romano Cheese.
  • Serve with garlic bread and a vegetable like broccoli, zucchini, or spinach.
 
 penne-with-vodka-sauce-createdbydiane
 
 

20 Comments

  13. Making this! Oh yes I am and my husband will fall in love with me all over again 🙂
    (not that he’s fallen out of love with me but you get my drift)

    Reply
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