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Creamy penne alla vodka in a pink tomato vodka sauce with basil and parmesan

Cousin Mike's Creamy Penne alla Vodka

Restaurant-style penne alla vodka with a silky pink sauce. The vodka is not a gimmick — it unlocks tomato flavors you cannot taste without it and keeps the cream from breaking. Caramelize the tomato paste, hit it with vodka, then cream.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb penne
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
  • 1/3 cup vodka
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan plus more for serving
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water as needed
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
  • fresh basil for serving

Method
 

  1. Boil the penne in well-salted water until just shy of al dente. Scoop out 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium. Add the onion and cook 5 minutes until soft, then add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook 1 minute more.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook 4–5 minutes, stirring, until it darkens to a deep brick red and starts to caramelize on the pan. This step builds the deep, roasted flavor.
  4. Lower the heat and add the vodka (away from an open flame), scraping up the browned bits. Simmer 2–3 minutes to cook off the raw alcohol.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream until the sauce turns smooth and pink, then loosen with a splash of pasta water.
  6. Add the drained penne and the Parmesan. Toss over low heat, adding pasta water a little at a time, until the sauce is glossy and coats every piece. Season with salt.
  7. Finish with torn fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve right away.

Notes

Add the vodka off the flame. The starchy pasta water is what emulsifies the sauce into something silky instead of greasy, so do not skip it. Serve with Cousin Mike's Homemade Garlic Bread.