This spicy penne alla vodka is a quick and easy meal that’s loaded with flavor! It’s made with tomatoes, mozzarella, vodka, cream, and penne pasta.
Serve it with vegetable salad and cheesy garlic bread for a restaurant-quality meal.
If you enjoyed this spicy rigatoni, then you will love this spicy penne alla vodka! The only difference is that this one includes mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes. It’s hands down one of my favorite pasta dishes!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Some pasta dishes are bland and dry but not this one! This one is extra saucy and super flavorful.
- It’s spicy but not too spicy.
- Feeds a family of 4-6 but you can double or triple the recipe if feeding a large crowd.
INGREDIENT NOTES
- Pasta – I used penne pasta but feel free to use any type of short-shaped pasta.
- Cherry Tomatoes – Any type of small tomatoes will work. I left them whole but feel free to slice them in half.
- Tomato Paste – I used two 6 oz cans of tomato paste. Tomato paste is the base of the sauce.
- Mozzarella – Fresh mozzarella works best for this recipe. You can use mozzarella pearls or bocconcici.
- Vodka – Make sure to use plain vodka, not flavored vodka! If you don’t consumer alcohol, simply omit it and use extra pasta water to thin out the sauce.
- Red Crushed Pepper Flakes – It’s what will help make the sauce spicy! Add as much or as little as you like.
TOP TIPS
- I highly recommend adjusting this recipe to your liking. If you want it extra creamy, add more cream! If you want it thinner, add more pasta water.
- Season generously with kosher salt. This recipe needs a good amount of salt.
- Start with 1 teaspoon of red crushed pepper flakes and work your way up. Add more if you like it extra spicy.
- Add at least one cup of pasta water but do it in batches. Start by stirring in 1/4 cup then add more if needed.
- The cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls are completely optional!
CAN I MAKE THIS AHEAD OF TIME?
You can make the sauce ahead of time, but I recommend boiling the pasta right before serving. Otherwise, the pasta will get dry, and it won’t taste as good.
LEFTOVERS…
Place any leftovers in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or cook it on the stovetop until heated through.
MORE RECIPES YOU MIGHT ENJOY
Tried this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. And consider following me on Facebook or Pinterest!
Spicy Penne Alla Vodka
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 6 oz cans tomato paste 12 ounces total
- 1 shallot finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves finely minced
- 1 ¼ teaspoon red crushed pepper flakes or to taste
- ½ cup vodka *Do not used flavored vodka*
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup pasta water or more if needed
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- ¾ cups mozzarella balls
- ¾ cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar or to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet with high sides over medium heat.
- Add the shallots, garlic, and red crushed pepper. Cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 20 seconds.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute, then stir in the vodka and cook for about 5 minutes while stirring frequently.
- Stir in the heavy cream and sugar. Mix until well combined and simmer over low heat while you cook the pasta.
- Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package directions. Reserve about 2 cups of pasta water then drain the pasta.
- Add about ¼ cup of the pasta water to the sauce and stir until well combined. Fold in the butter, pasta, parmesan cheese, and about ¾ cups of pasta water.
- Fold in the mozzarella balls, season generously with salt and pepper, and enjoy!
Notes
- I highly recommend adjusting this recipe to your liking. If you want it extra creamy, add more cream! If you want it thinner, add more pasta water.
- Season generously with kosher salt. This recipe needs a good amount of salt.
- Start with 1 teaspoon of red crushed pepper flakes and work your way up. Add more if you like it extra spicy.
- Add at least one cup of pasta water but do it in batches. Start by stirring in 1/4 cup then add more if needed.
- The cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls are completely optional!
Leave a Reply