The silkiest penne a la vodka recipe - you won't be able to stop eating this once you try it!

Name: The silkiest penne a la vodka recipe - you won't be able to stop eating this once you try it!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1 tbsp. olive oil; 2 onions, finely sliced; 300 g penne pasta; 2 garlic cloves, crushed; 6 tbsp. tomato purée; 1 tsp. dried chilli flakes; 100 mL vodka; 100 mL double cream; 50 g Parmesan or vegetarian Italian-style hard cheese, grated; Small handful basil, leaves picked and torn

Penne alla Vodka became popular in the 80s and now has many variations. Double cream was a novelty ingredient in Italy during this time, which is why this recipe became so famous. The vodka deglazes the pan and adds a deliciously acidic flavour.

By The Good Housekeeping Cookery TeamUpdated: 20 May 2025

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Vodka might sound like a strange addition to a pasta dish, however it adds a creaminess to the recipe, making it all the more delicious. Pasta makes for the perfect midweek meal, since it's thrown together so quickly. This recipe is ready in just 30min from start to finish! You won't be able to stop eating this once you make it!

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Yields:

4 serving(s)

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

30 mins

Cal/Serv:

576

Ingredients

1 Tbsp.
olive oil
2
onions, finely sliced
300 g
penne pasta
2
garlic cloves, crushed
6 Tbsp.
tomato purée
1 tsp.
dried chilli flakes
100 ml
vodka
100 ml
double cream
50 g
Parmesan or vegetarian Italian-style hard cheese, grated
Small handful basil, leaves picked and torn

Directions

1. Step 1Heat the oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat and cook the onions for 10min, until softened.
2. Step 2Meanwhile, bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta according to pack instructions. Drain, reserving 150ml cooking water.
3. Step 3Stir the garlic into the onion pan and cook for 1min. Add the tomato purée and chilli flakes and cook for 5min, stirring frequently, until slightly caramelised.
4. Step 4Add the vodka and bubble until completely reduced. Stir through the cream, pasta and reserved cooking water until combined. Check seasoning. Divide between 4 bowls and scatter over the cheese and basil. Serve.

GH TIPS:

If you cant drink alcohol, you can use the starchy pasta water instead, but it won't be the same type of silky texture. Vodka helps to enhance the savoury flavours and emulsifies the fats together with the pasta.

Some recipes use bacon lardons for an added smoky hit of flavour and is something we love to do, too.

Looking for more classic pasta recipes? Don't miss our carbonara recipe, or our amatriciana recipe.