Description
A rich, comforting, and budget-friendly weeknight dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes using simple pantry staples. This creamy vodka penne pasta is kid-approved, easy to make, and tastes like restaurant quality without the high price tag.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup vodka
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound penne pasta (penne rigate recommended)
- 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Optional: 2 cups cooked diced chicken
- Optional: ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Chop onion, mince garlic, and grate Parmesan cheese.
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain pasta and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Build sauce: Add tomato paste to the skillet and cook for 1 minute to toast. Pour in vodka and simmer for 2 minutes to cook off alcohol. Add heavy cream and chicken broth; stir and simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cheese: Remove skillet from heat. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time.
- Combine: Add drained pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Stir in butter for richness. Adjust salt to taste.
- Serve: Serve immediately topped with extra Parmesan, black pepper, and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Save the starchy pasta water; it helps the sauce cling to the pasta. Use fresh Parmesan only, as pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Always remove the pan from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation. If the sauce is too watery, let it simmer longer or add more cheese. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 380
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 15
Keywords: creamy vodka penne pasta, weeknight dinner, easy pasta recipe, budget family meals, Italian pasta, quick dinner ideas, comfort food