Pasta Alla Vodka - Easy Weeknight Cooking

Name: Pasta Alla Vodka - Easy weeknight cooking
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: 450 gm rigatoni pasta; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion (finely minced); 3 garlic cloves (finely minced); 1/4 tsp paprika powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper powder; 10 tbsp tomato paste; 1/4 cup vodka; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup greek yogurt (beaten in a bowl); 1/2 - 1 cup pasta water (reserved); 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated); Freshly chopped parsley and more parmesan cheese

The easiest tomato based pasta dish to make during the week that is made with a few pantry ingredients and vodka of course. Pasta alla vodka is the perfect dinner recipe to whip up in little time.

I might be late to the party but pasta alla vodka has to be my new favorite tomato based pasta sauce. I cannot believe I have been sleeping on this recipe for so long. I was inspired to try out thi recipe when I had gone tot he alcohol store, walking through the vodka isle – I was thinking about pasta. While it is not the most conventional thought I cam home with a mission to make this recipe. To be honest, the first time I made it, felt very heavy and a little too rich – so I tweaked the ingredients to my pallet.

Vodka is not the most common ingredient in pasta sauce but in this case it adds a depth of flavor to the sauce and highlights the tomato in it. I have used rigatoni instead of penne (which is what it is commonly made with) but any ribbed pasta works well in this recipe as it holds the sauce well making it very delicious. To make this recipe we don’t need a lot of ingredients or many equipment but there are few important steps to keep in mind when making it so lets get to the recipe.

What is pasta alla vodka?

Pasta alla vodka is a pasta dish made with a tomato based sauce that is creamy and has vodka in it. The alcohol in the sauce is cooked out so it only leaves the flavor in the sauce. Traditionally the sauce is made with pasta and with cheese, however it is served with sausage, pancetta as well. Commonly used ingredients in this recipe is tomatoes, cream, onions, garlic, chili flakes, cream, cheese. It comes from Italy but in all honesty you can find it all over the world and even Gigi Hadid has her own recipe for penne alla vodka.

Why put vodka in pasta?

There are many reasons to this, it helps maintain a silky smooth texture, allowing the creaminess to meld into the tomato base. It also gives the tomato based sauce an intense flavor. In many ways it cus through the creaminess and richness which balances out the pasta sauce.

Can kids have vodka pasta?

If the pasta is cooked correctly, the pasta is safe for kids to eat as the alcohol evaporates in the cooking process. However if you do not cook it well the alcohol content in the sauce will still be there and then it wouldn’t be safe for kids.

Is vodka pasta alcoholic?

If cooked correctly, the alcohol evaporates but yes it is made with vodka which does have alcohol. This vodka pasta sauce is rich, creamy, packed with tomato and so delicious.

Does vodka pasta taste like vodka?

No, the pasta doesn’t taste like vodka it just adds a layer of flavor to the tomato based sauce.

What ingredients are needed to make pasta alla vodka?

To make this recipe we need butter, olive oil, onions, garlic, tomato paste, cooking cream, yogurt, parsley, parmesan cheese, vodka, rigatoni pasta, salt, pepper, paprika powder.

What equipment is needed to pasta alla vodka?

We need a large stock pot to cook the pasta and a colander to strain it once cooked through. To make the sauce we need a sauce pan, wooden spoon to stir it together. We need a chopping board with knife to finely cut the onion and garlic. I have used a microplane grater for the parmesan cheese.

How to make pasta alla vodka?

In a large saucepan, over low heat, add the olive oil, minced onion, minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add in the tomato paste, with paprika powder and cook it until the tomato paste turns a really dark red color, about 3 minutes. Add the vodka and let it sizzle, allow the vodka to cook off, about 1 minute. Add in the heavy cream and stir it until smooth. Turn off the sauce. Now, we’re gonna get going with boiling the pasta! Bring a stock pot of salted water to a boil. Pour in the pasta and cook as per the package instructions – until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the pasta. Put the sauce to back on medium heat. Pour in 1/2 cup pasta water, along with the grated parmesan cheese and stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning, take it of the heat. Add the yogurt and stir until combined. Pour in the pasta and then add in the butter, mix it until combined or until thick and luscious. Garnish with grated parmesan and parsley, enjoy while it is hot.

Serving and storing pasta alla vodka?

This pasta is best served with more parmesan cheese on top with parsley. You can serve it with chili flakes, oregano and a glass of white wine or a shot of vodka, cause why note. Feel free to add grilled sausages on the side with steamed peas to make it a more nutritious and wholesome meal but with this pasta I like it on its own because the vodka sauce is so rich and yummy.

Looking for more pasta recipe?

Now that we have covered how to make this easy Pasta alla vodka recipe, you can have a look at the recipe video on my socials but let’s get to it. Don’t forget to follow along for more fun recipe inspiration.

If you try this recipe out, don’t forget to share it with me on pinterest & instagram so I can see how it turned out. I’d love nothing more than to chat with you on your cooking/baking.

31 Recipes To Make In December 2025

Here are favorite festive recipes for the most wonderful time...

Broccoli Corn Bars

These veggie packed bars are a simple but savory snack...

Ricotta Spinach Stuffed Croissants

The easiest recipe you will make for breakfast or brunch....

Calabrian Chili Cheese Galette

Flakey and crusty short crust pastry, filled with cream cheese,...

Bruschetta Pizza

Crunchy pizza base with garlic butter and melting cheese, topped...

Rainbow 🌈 Slaw (without mayonnaise)

This crunchy, fresh and raw salad is such a delicious...

30 Pride Month 🌈 Inspired Recipes

These are some of my favorite recipes that are vibrant,...