Quick Answer
Vodka is a key ingredient in penne vodka, giving the pasta its namesake flavor. Though vodka can be omitted, the dish would no longer taste like the classic penne vodka. The vodka provides subtle flavor without making the dish alcoholic. Using a small amount to deglaze the pan and add to the tomato cream sauce is enough to impart that signature essence. While alternatives like chicken or vegetable stock could be substituted, to maintain the authentic penne vodka taste, vodka is required.
What is Penne Vodka?
Penne vodka is a classic Italian American pasta dish made with penne, a vodka tomato cream sauce, and Parmesan cheese. The creamy tomato sauce is flavored with a splash of vodka, which gives the dish its name.
Though vodka adds a subtle flavor, it does not make the dish alcoholic, as the alcohol cooks off during preparation. The vodka contributes a depth of flavor and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
In addition to penne, vodka, tomatoes, cream, and Parmesan, recipes can include extras like:
- Onion, garlic, shallots – sautéed as the base
- Chicken or shrimp – for protein
- Basil, oregano, parsley – for freshness
- Red pepper flakes – for heat
- Butter or olive oil – for richness
The tomato vodka cream sauce coats the penne noodles for a luxurious, indulgent pasta dish. It strikes the perfect balance between creamy and bright.
Why Add Vodka to Penne Vodka?
There are a few reasons vodka is such an integral part of penne vodka:
Subtle Flavor
Vodka adds a subtle, clean flavor to the sauce. When cooked, the alcohol burns off, leaving behind just a hint of the vodka taste. This enhances the other ingredients without overpowering them.
Depth
In addition to subtle flavor, vodka contributes a depth of flavor. The nuances from the vodka help balance and round out the tomato, cream, and cheese.
Acidity
Vodka helps cut the acidity of the tomatoes in the sauce. The vodka neutralizes some of the acid and brightens up the flavor.
Smooth Texture
The vodka helps thin out the sauce slightly, giving it a smooth, velvety texture. This allows the sauce to perfectly cling to each piece of penne.
Essence of the Dish
Most importantly, the vodka provides the essence of penne vodka. It gives the dish its signature flavor profile that you can’t achieve without that splash of vodka.
Can You Make Penne Vodka Without Vodka?
You can make vodka sauce without vodka, but it would no longer taste like the classic penne vodka. The vodka is integral to giving the dish its name and flavor identity.
That said, you can substitute other types of alcohol or liquids to mimic vodka’s flavors. Options include:
White Wine
White wine, especially dry varieties like Pinot Grigio, adds subtle flavor like vodka. Use an equal amount of white wine in place of vodka.
Chicken or Vegetable Stock
For an alcohol-free option, substitute an equal amount of chicken or vegetable stock. This won’t replicate the flavor perfectly but adds a savory depth.
Water
In a bind, you can replace the vodka with water. The sauce won’t have as much complexity but the liquid helps thin out the tomatoes and cream.
Extracts
Alcoholic extracts, like vanilla, almond or lemon, can provide some of the missing nuance of vodka. Use sparingly, as the flavors are very concentrated.
Juice
For a bright, acidic component, use lemon or lime juice instead of vodka. The citrus mimics vodka’s flavor profile more closely than other juices.
How Much Vodka is Used in Penne Vodka?
Most penne vodka recipes call for 2 to 4 tablespoons of vodka. This is enough to impart subtle flavor without making the dish alcoholic.
For a standard batch serving 4 to 6 people, about 3 tablespoons is typical. This equals:
- 1 1/2 ounces
- 1.5 fluid ounces
- 44 ml
The vodka is added in two stages:
- 2 tablespoons vodka to deglaze the pan and cook off the alcohol
- 1 tablespoon vodka added at the end to preserve the flavor
Adding a dash more or less vodka to suit your taste preferences is fine. For best results, measure it precisely and add it slowly to achieve the ideal subtle vodka essence.
Penne Vodka Ingredients
Pasta
Any short tubular pasta works, like:
- Penne rigate
- Penne
- Rigatoni
- Macaroni
- Ziti
- Mostaccioli
Penne rigate has ridges that help grab the sauce. Cook until al dente.
Vodka
A basic mid-range vodka is perfect. Save top shelf vodka for drinking! Preferences include:
- Smirnoff
- Absolut
- Tito’s
- Ketel One
- Grey Goose
Tomatoes
Use high quality canned tomatoes. Whole or crushed both work. Diced are also fine.
Heavy Cream
Thick, rich heavy cream provides the classic creamy base. Light cream can also be used.
Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan adds a savory, salty bite. Use high quality Parmesan if possible.
Butter
A pat of butter helps round out the sauce with richness. Olive oil can also be used.
Onion and Garlic
An onion and garlic base adds aromatics. Shallots or onions alone also work.
Herbs and Spices
Classic additions include:
- Basil
- Oregano
- Red pepper flakes
- Parsley
- Black pepper
How to Make Penne Vodka
Making restaurant-quality penne vodka at home is simple with these steps:
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil salted water and cook the penne 2 minutes less than the package directs for al dente texture. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pan, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until soft.
3. Deglaze with Vodka
Add 2 tablespoons vodka and simmer 1 minute to cook off alcohol.
4. Add Tomatoes
Stir in tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and herbs. Simmer until broken down.
5. Add Cream and Cheese
Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Thin with reserved pasta water.
6. Toss with Pasta
Add cooked pasta to sauce and toss over medium heat 1-2 minutes.
7. Finish with Vodka and Herbs
Remove from heat. Add 1 tablespoon vodka and chopped herbs.
8. Serve with Cheese
Portion into bowls and top with extra grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Tips for Best Penne Vodka
Elevate your penne vodka with these pro tips:
- Use high quality ingredients – vodka, tomatoes, cream, cheese
- Sauté aromatics thoroughly to bloom flavor
- Cook vodka briefly to mellow alcohol taste
- Crush tomatoes or simmer sauce to break down chunks
- Don’t overcook pasta – penne should have an al dente bite
- Save some pasta water to thin sauce if needed
- Toss pasta in sauce to coat evenly and absorb flavors
- Add a splash of vodka at the end to preserve flavor
- Season with salt and pepper to taste
- Garnish with chopped herbs and grated Parmesan
Penne Vodka Variations
Once you master the classic, try these fun penne vodka variations:
Penne Vodka with Chicken
Sauté diced chicken with the aromatics or stir in shredded rotisserie chicken.
Penne Vodka with Shrimp
Sauté shrimp briefly until just pink, then add to the finished pasta.
Penne Vodka with Broccoli
Add some frozen broccoli florets when sautéing aromatics to cook through.
Penne Vodka Baked
Transfer finished pasta to a baking dish. Top with mozzarella and breadcrumbs and bake until golden.
Spicy Penne Vodka
Use hot vodka like Ketel One Cucumber Mint instead of plain and add red pepper flakes.
Smoky Penne Vodka
Use smoked tomatoes, smoked paprika, and crisp chopped bacon.
Creamy Penne Vodka
Substitute half & half or heavy cream for extra richness.
Can Penne Vodka be Frozen?
Penne vodka freezes very well for busy weeknights or easy entertaining. Here are tips:
- Make sauce and cook pasta 1 minute less than al dente
- Toss pasta in sauce and let cool completely
- Portion into freezer bags or containers
- Freeze up to 3 months
- Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating
- Reheat gently over medium heat with extra sauce or pasta water
- Stir frequently until hot throughout
The pasta absorbs more liquid as it freezes. So it may need extra sauce and simmering when reheated to bring everything together.
Conclusion
Vodka is a crucial component of penne vodka. It provides the subtle flavor that makes the dish unique. While you can riff on the recipe and make substitutions, to achieve the true taste of penne vodka, some vodka is required. A little goes a long way to impart a clean depth and balance without booziness. Master this Italian American classic with the right amount of quality vodka, tomatoes, and cream.