Creamy Vodka Pasta Recipe
This isn’t just pasta; it’s a full-blown indulgence. A silky, rich, and slightly boozy sauce coats every bite like a warm hug. Vodka smooths out the tomatoes, letting the flavors hit harder. Heavy cream brings the kind of decadence that makes diets irrelevant. Parmesan melts in, making everything even dreamier. The best part? It takes almost no effort, so there’s no excuse. If you want a comforting meal that looks fancy but requires minimal work, this is it. Grab a bowl, twirl your fork, and prepare to question why you don’t eat this daily.

Creamy Vodka Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ½ cup vodka
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni
- Water for boiling
- 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil chopped
- Extra parmesan because more is always better
Instructions
- Boil the pasta: Salt the water generously and cook the pasta until al dente. Save ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pan. Soften onions, then add garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add tomato base: Stir in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Let them cook down until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the vodka: Stir and let it reduce for 2 minutes, keeping the depth of flavor and burning off the alcohol.
- Make it creamy: Pour in heavy cream, mix well, and let simmer for 3 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Combine everything: Add pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir in parmesan and mix until the sauce coats every bite.
- Serve with style: Top with fresh basil and extra parmesan. Eat immediately, because waiting is unnecessary.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: 550
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
Vitamin & Mineral Content (Per Serving)
- Calcium: 15%
- Iron: 10%
- Vitamin A: 20%
- Potassium: 12%
- Magnesium: 8%
Flavor-Boosting Tips
- Use good vodka—cheap booze equals sad sauce.
- A pat of butter at the end adds extra richness.
- Want a spicier kick? Add red pepper flakes.
- Pasta water is magic—don’t skip it.
- Fresh parmesan is a must; avoid the pre-grated stuff.