Vodka Pasta

Name: Vodka Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 5 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 500 g / 1 lb Penne or ziti pasta; 2 tsp Cooking salt (for pasta water); 1 1/2 tbsp Olive oil; 1/2 small Onion (finely diced); 2 Garlic cloves (finely minced); 1/2 cup / 140 g Tomato paste (UK: tomato puree); 1 1/4 cups Heavy cream (UK: double cream; low fat cream works as substitute); 1/3 cup Vodka (or chicken stock for alcohol-free version); 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional); 3/4 tsp Salt (halve if using table salt); pinch Black pepper; 50 g / 1 loosely packed cup Freshly grated parmesan (plus extra for serving); 1/2 cup+ Pasta cooking water (reserved); 2 tsp Parsley (finely chopped, optional for serving)

Creamy tomato-based pasta with a hint of vodka, enriching the sauce without any boozy taste. Quick, flavorful, and uses a full packet of pasta and tomato paste for zero waste.

Cuisine	Italian
Category	Main Dish
Prep Time	5 minutes
Cook Time	15 minutes
Total Time	20 minutes
Servings	5 servings
Difficulty	Easy
Published	8/18/2025

Instructions

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta al dente according to packet instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sauté onion and garlic 1 1/2 minutes until translucent.
3
Add tomato paste and cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly until it darkens slightly.
4
Stir in cream until tomato paste dissolves. Add red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and vodka (or stock). Simmer 3 minutes, stirring regularly.
5
Remove from heat, stir in parmesan until melted.
6
Add pasta and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to pan. Toss over medium heat 1–1 1/2 minutes until pasta is fully coated, adding more pasta water if needed.
7
Serve immediately in warmed bowls with extra parmesan and optional parsley. Pair with garlic bread and salad for a classic meal.

Nutrition Information

Calories	693
Protein	19g
Carbohydrates	78g
Total Fat	30g
Saturated Fat	16g
Polyunsaturated Fat	2g
Monounsaturated Fat	9g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	74mg
Sodium	1465mg
Potassium	314mg
Fiber	3g
Sugar	5g
Vitamin A	1016IU
Vitamin C	2mg
Calcium	185mg
Iron	2mg

Recipe Notes

Tomato paste can be regular or double concentrate; minor differences in weight between brands do not affect outcome.
Low fat cream works, though sauce will be slightly thinner. UK double cream is equivalent to thickened cream elsewhere.
Vodka adds depth and complexity; can be replaced with gin or wine. Alcohol-free option: chicken stock.
Use freshly grated parmesan for smooth melting. Pre-grated cheese may make sauce grainy.
Reserved pasta water is crucial for emulsifying sauce and helping it cling to pasta.
Leftovers keep 3–4 days in the fridge; reheat in microwave with a splash of water for best texture.

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