Creamy Penne Vodka Recipe

Start a large pot of water over high heat to boil the pasta. Cook the penne 1-2 minutes shy of the package directions and drain. Do not rinse.

While the pasta is cooking, make the vodka sauce by heating a large skillet with olive oil over low heat. Add the onions and cook for 10 minutes, stirring often so the onions don’t burn.

Once the onions have softened and browned slightly add the crushed red pepper flakes and the garlic. Stir and cook for a minute longer and then stir in the tomato paste.

Carefully pour in the vodka, whisk and let it reduce for 2 minutes.

Pour the crushed tomatoes in the skillet and whisk until smooth. Add the oregano, basil, salt and pepper, stir and then simmer partially covered with a lid for 20 minutes. Stir the sauce occasionally.

Whisk in the cream to finish the sauce, taste for seasonings and then remove from the heat.

Add the drained pasta back to the pot that it was cooked in. Pour in the vodka sauce and the parmesan cheese and stir to combine with the penne.

Serve with extra parmesan cheese on the side and fresh basil if desired.