Penne ala vodka, simply put penne pasta with vodka sauce recipe. It’s simple and delicious and a recipe you’ll make again and again.
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?!
Ingredients 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, the recipe can easily be multiplied for more portions.
This is not only great over pasta but makes a great-tasting pizza sauce too.
In a medium saucepan, heat tomato sauce and vodka,
stir in cream. (simmer sauce over medium heat) don’t boil cream sauces, they can separate and become grainy.
Add crushed red pepper flakes and salt and pepper to taste.
Heat thoroughly.
Serve over one pound cooked Pasta. Top with grated cheese.
This is a go-to meal, once you make it, you’ll most likely make it again and again, it’s so delicious!
How do you make vodka sauce taste better?
- Add some fresh basil
- fresh or dry oregano
- saute 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, saute the meat first (with garlic ic you choose) then add the remaining ingredients for a rich-tasting sauce.
- If you want a cheesy sauce, add in half-cup grated parmesan cheese.
- 1/2 cup Vodka
- 1/2 cup cream
- 2 cups tomato sauce (marinara sauce, or tomato paste and pasta water)
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- pinch salt and pepper to taste
- In a medium saucepan, heat tomato sauce and vodka, stir in cream.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes and salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat thoroughly.
- Serve over one pound cooked Penne Pasta (or favorite shaped pasta)
- Top with grated Parmesan or Romano Cheese.
- Serve with garlic bread and a vegetable like broccoli, zucchini, or spinach.
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Cookbook Queen says
Would it be acceptable to have this for breakfast? Because I’d really love a giant bowl of it right this second.
Diane says
Yes, perfetly acceptable in my house 🙂
Sue/the view from great island says
I’ve always been curious to try this sauce, it’s great to know it’s that easy, and it looks scrumptious!
Diane says
can’t wait to hear how you like it 🙂
Amanda says
Oh yum, I would seriously love a big bowl of this right now! 🙂
Curt says
You got me on the Vodka sauce! 🙂
Amy @ The Mom Hood says
A reason to have vodka? Uh, yes please. Looks delicious, and I never knew that it could be so easy to make a vodka sauce. love it!
Natalie @ Cooking for My Kids says
We love pasta…and have a night dedicated to it. I cannot wait to try this. Yummy!!
Cassie says
This looks amazing, Diane! I never make vodka sauce at home but I should – we would love this!
Life of a Modern Housewife says
I love all things spicy and this is right up my alley!! This looks delicious!!!
http://www.lifeofamodernhousewife.com
Maria says
Perfect pasta dish for a busy weeknight!
Brian @ A Thought For Food says
I haven’t made a vodka sauce in years… but oh does it look so good!
alison @ Ingredients, Inc. says
sounds divine!
Sommer@ASpicyPerspective says
Yep, this would make me ridiculously happy…
Paula says
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)
Jen says
That looks delicous. Due to nursing I will not be able to recreate it with vodka lol
Roxana GreenGirl { A little bit of everything} says
we were planning to have pasta for dinner. this recipe couldn’t have come better at another time!