Description
Vodka Pasta Paradise is the ultimate comfort food — rich, creamy, and bursting with tomato flavor, perfectly balanced by a splash of vodka. Whether you add juicy grilled chicken or keep it vegetarian with sautéed veggies, this easy dish turns any dinner into pure bliss.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely diced
1/2 cup tomato paste
1/4 cup vodka
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups cooked chicken or sautéed vegetables (zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers)
Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft and fragrant.
3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly darkened.
4. Pour in vodka and simmer until reduced by half, about 2 minutes.
5. Add heavy cream, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Add cooked pasta and chicken or veggies to the sauce. Toss until evenly coated, adding pasta water as needed for creaminess.
7. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
8. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
For a lighter version, use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of cream.
Try topping with crispy pancetta for a savory twist.
This sauce freezes beautifully — just reheat with a splash of cream or milk.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg