Penne in Pink Vodka Sauce

Tender tubes of penne, tossed in a velvety, tomato cream sauce that’s spiked with vodka and scented with onion, garlic, basil, and oregano.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Diet Vegetarian

Keyword easy, penne, quick,, vegetarian, vodka sauce, weeknight

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings

Calories 621kcal

1 pound penne or pasta shape of choice
2 cups tomato sauce or puréed tomatoes
1/4 cup vodka optional (see note above), or 1/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
Grated parmesan cheese for serving
Chopped fresh basil for serving optional

Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain (and reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water if you’re not using vodka). Cover with foil to keep warm.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan or high-sided skillet, combine the tomato sauce, vodka, olive oil, dried basil, dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Set the pan over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Fold in the pasta and cook for 1 minute to heat through. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
Top with parmesan cheese and fresh basil (if using) and serve with extra parmesan cheese on the side.