Pasta alla Vodka
By Charlie
Published Nov. 10, 2025
This Italian-inspired classic features a mouth-watering creamy tomato sauce. Don’t be scared by the vodka; the alcohol helps extract flavor from the tomatoes and onions, and it largely boils away before reaching the final product.
Pasta alla Vodka
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne or other pasta
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1-2 cloves garlic, thinly diced
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup vodka
- 28 oz whole tomatoes (1 can)
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmigiano reggiano (or grana padano)
- 1-2 tbsp oregano, chopped
Instructions
- Boil water and cook the pasta per package instructions.
- In a large pot, cook the olive oil, onion, and garlic for 3-5 minutes over medium-high heat until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the vodka and red pepper flakes, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the volume decreases to one half.
- Add the tomatoes, salt, and pepper, and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring and breaking the tomatoes with the spoon, until the mixture thickens.
- Decrease the heat to low, and add the heavy cream. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously, until well mixed.
- Remove from heat and add pasta and parmigiano reggiano. Top with oregano to serve.
Notes
- If you prefer less heat, add only ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes or less.