Vodka pasta is a delicious and easy-to-prepare first course.
4 people
1
Chop the onion, add it to a non-stick pan with a drizzle of oil, and cook for a few minutes
2
When the onion turns golden, add the vodka and let it evaporate. then add the Mutti Tomato Puree.
3
Crush or finely chop a clove of garlic and add it to the sauce.
4
Add the salt and pepper and cook for 10 minutes.
5
When cooked, add the fresh cream and turn off the heat.
6
Bring plenty of salted water to a boil, cook the penne al dente, then drain and pour into the pan with the sauce.
7
Mix well, add the grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley, then plate and serve hot.
Vodka pasta became an iconic dish in Italian cuisine starting in the 1980s, when it gained massive popularity. To this day, it’s still a recognizable and much-loved recipe. In its most famous version—penne alla vodka—it’s served as a creamy, aromatic first course, perfect for casual dinners or last-minute meals.
What makes this dish so appealing is the balance between creaminess and bold flavor. Once reduced, vodka leaves a distinctive aroma that gives the sauce character. Combined with Mutti Tomato Puree and fresh cream, the result is a velvety texture that coats every bite of pasta beautifully. It’s also extremely easy and fast to make: the sauce can be prepared while the pasta cooks, making this a go-to recipe when you’re short on time but still want to enjoy something delicious.
You can personalize the recipe by adding crispy pancetta or sautéed mushrooms for extra richness. For a vegetarian or vegan-friendly version, you can substitute the fresh cream with plant-based cream in equal measure. The vodka sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to use, simply heat it in a pan together with the cooked pasta. If needed, adjust the consistency by adding a few tablespoons of pasta cooking water. Vodka pasta is a great example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create a flavorful and satisfying dish—perfect even for the busiest days.