Vodka Pasta Recipe

There’s no need to order takeout from your neighborhood restaurant when this beloved, easy-to-assemble Italian-American classic gets dinner on the table in no time. Adding pancetta brings a salty smokiness, but if you leave it out, you’re still in for a quick and flavorful dish. If you’re feeling ambitious, the pasta is delightful with Caesar salad or garlic bread, but it’s also satisfying enough to take centerstage. Put on some Puccini, open up a bottle of red and you’re guaranteed a more relaxed dining experience than the one you might get at the local red-and-white checkered-tablecloth joint.

vodka pasta recipe

Gigi Hadid Pasta (Spicy Vodka Pasta)

vodka pasta recipe

This Spicy Vodka Pasta (a.k.a Gigi Hadid Pasta) is a TikTok Viral Pasta Recipe made with pasta tossed in a rich creamy sauce. Find out how to make it with and without vodka!

Prep: 5min

Total: 25min

Yield: 2

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 842 kcal, Carbohydrate 96 g, Protein 18 g, Fat 44 g, Saturated Fat 20 g, Cholesterol 97 mg, Sodium 307 mg, Fiber 6 g, Sugar 8 g, unSaturated Fat 21 g, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz Orecchiette
  • 2 TBSP olive oil (ORIGINAL: ¼ cup olive oil is too much)
  • ¼ red onion (small diced (or 3 shallots, minced))
  • 3 cloves of garlic (minced (ORIGINAL: 1 small clove of garlic, diced))
  • ¼ cup tomato paste (NOT TOMATO SAUCE)
  • ½ cup heavy cream (you may replace it with half-and-half to cut down on the fat)
  • 1 TBSP vodka (YOU CAN SKIP IT)
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more for a spicier pasta)
  • 1 TBSP butter (you can omit it to cut down on the fat)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (ORIGINAL: ¼ cup parmesan cheese)

Instruction:

  1. Cook the pasta: Make sure to follow the directions in the package. When the pasta is done (al dente), save ½ cup of the pasta water before draining instead of ¼ cup in the original recipe. More of the starchy pasta water will make the sauce saucier. Set aside!
  2. Make the sauce: Meanwhile, heat a large saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil, and cook the onion (or shallots) until soft. Then add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Stir in the tomato paste and cook until it appears “darker in color and a bit caramelized”, says Gigi Hadid.
  3. Add in the heavy cream and then the vodka (optional). Cook until vodka has evaporated (about 2 minutes). NOTE: For extra flavor, you may add a few small leaves of basil to the sauce at this point!
  4. Add in salt and pepper to taste, and also the red pepper flakes. Keep stirring until combined and the sauce is mostly creamy and thickened.
  5. Right before adding the pasta, add in the butter. Stir over low heat until the butter has melted.
  6. Add the cooked pasta – and the pasta water – to the sauce.
  7. Stir in the parmesan cheese and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Make sure the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
  8. Serve this spicy vodka pasta topped with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese and basil to garnish. Enjoy!

Penne alla Vodka

vodka pasta recipe

We’ve perfected our best-ever vodka sauce in this penne alla vodka—learn how in this easy recipe.

Prep: 5min

Total: 35min

Yield: 4 serving(s)

Nutrition Facts: calories 729 Calories, Fat 26 g, Saturated Fat 16 g, Trans Fat 0 g, Cholesterol 76 mg, Sodium 538 mg, Carbohydrate 90 g, Fiber 6 g, Sugar 9 g, Protein 24 g

Ingredients:

  • 3 tbsp. butter
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 c. tomato paste
  • 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 tbsp. vodka
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 lb. tubed pasta, such as penne or rigatoni
  • 1/2 c. heavy cream
  • 1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
  • Basil, for serving

Instruction:

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add shallot and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, 4 to 5 minutes.
  2. Add tomato paste and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring frequently, until paste has coated shallots and garlic and is beginning to darken, 5 minutes.
  3. Add vodka to pot and stir to incorporate, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Turn off heat.
  4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 2 cups of pasta water before draining.
  5. Return sauce to medium heat and add 1/4 cup of pasta water and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add half the Parmesan and stir until melted. Turn off heat and stir in cooked pasta. Fold in remaining Parmesan, adding more pasta water (about a tablespoon at a time) if the sauce is looking dry. Season with salt if needed. Serve topped with more Parmesan and torn basil leaves.

Penne alla Vodka

vodka pasta recipe

This penne alla vodka is tender penne pasta tossed in a rich and delicious tomato, vodka and cream sauce. Add a sprinkling of parmesan cheese and you’ll have a restaurant quality meal in the comfort of your own home.

Prep: 10min

Total: 30min

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 521 kcal, Carbohydrate 63 g, Protein 16 g, Fat 21 g, Saturated Fat 13 g, Cholesterol 75 mg, Sodium 433 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 5 g, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (plus more for garnish if desired)
  • 28 ounce can Italian style or San Marzano whole tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup vodka
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Instruction:

  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce.
  3. Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Place the tomatoes in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Pour the tomato puree into the pan.
  5. Add the vodka to the pan. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes over medium low heat.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese and simmer for another 5 minutes or until thickened. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Pour the sauce over the pasta and toss to coat. Sprinkle with parsley, parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (optional), then serve.

the GREATEST PENNE VODKA you’ve ever made

FAQ

What does vodka do in pasta?

In a vodka sauce, the vodka helps maintain a cohesive texture, allowing the creaminess to meld with the tomato base. And sure, you could use wine to the same effect, but in a sauce as rich as vodka sauce, it’s better to use a small amount of alcohol that will impart as little of its own flavor as possible.

What makes vodka pasta sauce?

“Vodka adds depth to a sauce both by pulling out additional flavor and concentrating others without adding a flavor of its own,” says Bart Saracino, co-owner of the Bartolino’s Restaurants, where Cavatelli alla Vodka (shell noodles, sautéed shrimp, fresh garlic, light olive oil, a splash of vodka, and cream reduction) …

Does vodka pasta get you drunk?

Unfortunately, you can not get drunk off of vodka sauce. The alcohol in the vodka actually cooks off as the sauce simmers.

Is vodka necessary in vodka pasta?

Vodka does not need to be in vodka sauce; a simple replacement is some fresh water and a squeeze of lemon. Not only is this an easy replacement, but it also is very cost effective if you are looking to save some money,” Reimers suggests. Ready to make your own vodka sauce? Try this flavorful but entry-level recipe.

About the author

Helen is an author and editor at helenbackcafe.com, who has a passion for writing about recipes. She loves to experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques to create delicious and unique dishes.

Among all the foods, pizza holds a special place in her heart, and she loves exploring different variations and toppings to create the perfect slice. Through her writing, Helen hopes to inspire others to get creative in the kitchen and share their love for food with the world.

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