Spicy Vodka Pasta – Creamy, Rich, and Ready in 30 Minutes

Sometimes, the ultimate comfort food needs to be spicy, creamy, and luxurious — enter Spicy Vodka Pasta, a dish that blends the tang of tomatoes, richness of cream, subtle heat, and the slight bite of vodka for depth of flavor.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or any evening that calls for indulgent pasta, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes.

The secret lies in the vodka — it enhances the tomato base without overpowering it — and a touch of chili flakes gives it a gentle, warming kick.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick 30-minute meal — perfect for busy weeknights.
• Balanced flavor: Creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy.
• Versatile: Pair with penne, rigatoni, or your favorite pasta shape.
• Customizable: Adjust spice level or add protein like chicken, shrimp, or sausage.
• Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves a creamy, comforting pasta dish.

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Ingredients

Pasta & Sauce:

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup vodka
• 1 can (14 oz/400 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage
• Extra parmesan or mozzarella for topping
• Lemon zest for brightness

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Sauté aromatics:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Deglaze with vodka:
   Pour in vodka, scraping the bottom of the pan. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
4. Add tomatoes:
   Stir in crushed tomatoes, reduce heat to low, and simmer 5–6 minutes to thicken and deepen flavor.
5. Creamy transformation:
   Stir in heavy cream until fully incorporated, creating a rich orange sauce.
6. Add cheese:
   Mix in parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper. For extra creaminess, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
7. Combine pasta and sauce:
   Toss cooked penne in the sauce until fully coated. If using protein, add it now and heat through.
8. Serve:
   Garnish with chopped parsley, extra parmesan, and chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately with garlic bread or a simple green salad.

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Pro Tips

• Pasta water magic: Adding reserved pasta water helps the sauce cling to the noodles perfectly.
• Control the spice: Adjust red pepper flakes to your taste.
• Cream alternatives: Half-and-half or full-fat milk can be used in a pinch, but heavy cream is best for silky texture.
• Extra flavor: A splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon brightens the sauce beautifully.

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Flavor Variations

1. Spicy Sausage Vodka Pasta: Add sliced Italian sausage during sautéing.
2. Seafood Twist: Toss in cooked shrimp or scallops just before serving.
3. Veggie Lovers: Add spinach, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers.
4. Four-Cheese Vodka Pasta: Combine parmesan, mozzarella, fontina, and asiago for cheesy indulgence.
5. Baked Vodka Pasta: Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil for a golden crust.
6. Garlic Herb Version: Add fresh basil, oregano, and thyme for a more aromatic sauce.
7. Creamy Tomato Spin: Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky depth.

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Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Portion and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of pasta water or cream to restore texture.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving, approx.)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 14g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 680mg

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