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Smoky Vodka Penne Dish

Featured in Saucy pasta that hits the spot.

Smoky mozzarella highlights this creamy vodka tomato penne. A bold twist on a favorite Italian dish.
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alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Tue, 25 Mar 2025 13:02:45 GMT
A bowl of penne pasta with creamy tomato sauce, topped with cheese and parsley, served next to a drink. Pin it
A bowl of penne pasta with creamy tomato sauce, topped with cheese and parsley, served next to a drink. | tasteofsavor.com

Let me share my smoky vodka penne dish - a comforting twist on creamy tomato pasta with smoky mozzarella notes. The smooth sauce, flavored with vodka and garlic, wraps perfectly around each penne. You'll have a mouthwatering meal that balances simplicity with elegance in just 30 minutes.

A tasty quick meal

What I love about this dish is how the cream and smoky elements balance each other. The vodka gives the sauce extra depth while the smoked mozzarella adds something special. It's my go-to when I'm rushed on weeknights or want to wow guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Key ingredients you'll need

  • Penne pasta: 250g of authentic Italian pasta
  • Butter: 30g for extra flavor
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons of top-quality oil
  • Shallot: Half finely chopped
  • Garlic: 4 cloves thinly sliced
  • Tomato paste: 170g
  • Salt: A dash to suit your taste
  • Vodka: 60ml
  • Heavy cream: 180ml
  • Smoked mozzarella: 50g grated
  • Flat-leaf parsley: A generous handful chopped
  • Pasta water: Don't forget to save some

Step-by-step cooking guide

The pasta
I bring a big pot of salty water to a boil and cook the penne until it's al dente. I always save a cup of cooking water before draining.
The sauce
In a large skillet, I melt the butter with olive oil. I soften the shallot then throw in the garlic. Next, I stir in tomato paste and let it slightly caramelize. I pour in the vodka and finish with cream.
Putting it together
I toss the pasta into the sauce with a splash of cooking water. I stir while adding the smoked mozzarella and adjust how thick it is with more pasta water if needed.
Ready to eat
I serve it piping hot with fresh chopped parsley on top.
Un plat de pâtes penne dans une sauce tomate crémeuse, garni de parmesan et de persil frais. Pin it
Un plat de pâtes penne dans une sauce tomate crémeuse, garni de parmesan et de persil frais. | tasteofsavor.com

Time to enjoy

These vodka pennes should be eaten right away to enjoy the creamy, smoky sauce at its best. The richness from the cream and the kick from the vodka make this truly satisfying. I like to pair it with a glass of dry white wine for a perfect dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can vodka be swapped out?
Vodka enhances the flavor, but dry white wine works too. The taste will change but still be great.
→ Why save pasta water?
The starchy water helps bind and smooth the sauce. It’s also great for adjusting sauce consistency.
→ What smoked mozzarella works best?
Scamorza is perfect, but any smoked mozzarella works. Regular mozzarella with smoked paprika is a neat alternative.
→ Can this pasta be prepped ahead?
It’s best fresh. The sauce thickens when cooled; gently reheat it with a bit of pasta water if needed.
→ How do I get the sauce texture just right?
Reduce the vodka well and mix in cream off the heat. Add pasta water slowly for perfect consistency.

Smoky Vodka Penne

Penne coated in a creamy tomato vodka sauce with smoky mozzarella adding bold flavor. A rich Italian classic made easy.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Pasta

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1/2 pound of penne (or any small pasta).
02 2 tablespoons unsalted butter.
03 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.
04 1/2 shallot, minced finely.
05 4 cloves garlic, chopped.
06 6 ounces tomato paste.
07 1/2 teaspoon salt.
08 1/4 cup vodka.
09 3/4 cup heavy cream.
10 1/2 cup smoked mozzarella, shredded.
11 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley.
12 Reserved pasta water, if needed.

Instructions

Step 01

Bring a big pot of water to a boil.

Step 02

Melt the butter with olive oil over low heat in a large skillet. Toss in the chopped shallot and cook gently for about 4-5 minutes, stirring now and then, until it's tender and clear. Stir in the garlic and cook it another 1-2 minutes.

Step 03

Mix in the tomato paste and sprinkle in the salt. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes on medium-low heat until the tomato paste darkens in color.

Step 04

Pour in the vodka to deglaze the pan. Stir it for 1-2 minutes until you don't see any liquid vodka left.

Step 05

Take the skillet off the heat and blend in the heavy cream. Taste it and add more salt if it needs it.

Step 06

Once the water in the pot is boiling, salt it well and cook the pasta until it's firm but cooked through. Save 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 07

Drain the pasta and toss it into the skillet with the vodka sauce. Add 1/4 cup of pasta water and stir everything over medium heat until the pasta is coated.

Step 08

Stir in the shredded smoked mozzarella. Use the reserved pasta water, adding it a bit at a time, to make the sauce just the way you like.

Step 09

Serve it hot and top it off with some fresh parsley.

Notes

  1. This creamy dish is full of flavor and perfect for a quick meal.
  2. Adjust the sauce's texture with the reserved pasta water to suit your taste.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot.
  • Big skillet.
  • Colander.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 550
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 15 g