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Smoked Vodka Penne

Featured in Pasta dishes that make everyone smile.

Smoky mozzarella brings bold flavor to this creamy and tangy vodka-tomato penne. A delicious twist on the classic dish.
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Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Tue, 25 Mar 2025 13:00:44 GMT
A bowl of creamy tomato penne pasta topped with cheese and parsley, served with a glass of drink. Pin it
A bowl of creamy tomato penne pasta topped with cheese and parsley, served with a glass of drink. | tastyhush.com

Here's my smoky vodka penne dish, a comforting twist on creamy tomato pasta with delicious smoky mozzarella notes. The smooth, garlicky sauce with a vodka kick wraps perfectly around the penne. You'll have a mouthwatering meal that's both easy and fancy in just 30 minutes.

Delicious quick meal

What makes this dish special is how the cream balances with smoky flavors. The vodka adds depth while the smoked mozzarella brings something truly unique. It's my go-to when I'm rushed on weeknights or want to wow guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Key components

  • Penne: 250g good Italian pasta
  • Butter: 30g for flavor
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons of top quality
  • Shallot: Half, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 4 cloves, thinly sliced
  • Tomato paste: 170g
  • Salt: A dash to your liking
  • Vodka: 60ml
  • Heavy cream: 180ml
  • Smoked mozzarella: 50g grated
  • Flat-leaf parsley: A handful, finely chopped
  • Pasta water: Don't throw it away

Step-by-step guide

The pasta
I get a big pot of salted water boiling and cook the penne until al dente. Before draining, I save some cooking water in a cup.
The sauce
I melt butter with olive oil in a large pan. I cook the shallot until soft, then add garlic. Next comes tomato paste which I let slightly caramelize. I splash in vodka and finish with cream.
Bringing it together
I toss my pasta into the sauce with a bit of pasta water. I mix while adding smoked mozzarella and adjust how thick the sauce is with more pasta water if needed.
Ready to eat
I serve it hot with freshly 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. | tastyhush.com

Enjoy your meal

These vodka pennes taste best when eaten right away to enjoy the creamy, smoky sauce at its finest. The richness from the cream and the extra kick from the vodka make this truly indulgent. I love pairing it with a glass of dry white wine for the perfect dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can vodka be swapped out?
Vodka adds a unique flavor, but you could use dry white wine instead. It’ll taste different but still amazing.
→ Why keep pasta water?
It’s starchy, which helps the sauce stick and stay creamy. Use it to tweak the sauce's thickness too.
→ What kind of smoked mozzarella works?
Scamorza is perfect, but any smoked mozzarella is good. If you can’t find any, regular mozzarella with smoky paprika is a nice substitute.
→ Can this pasta be made ahead?
It’s best served fresh. If the sauce thickens after cooling, gently reheat it with pasta water to restore the texture.
→ How to get the best sauce texture?
Let the vodka cook down and mix in the cream off the heat. Adjust the sauce with pasta water gradually for the right consistency.

Smoked Vodka Penne

Creamy tomato vodka sauce coats penne, with a smoky twist from mozzarella. A fresh take on a comforting Italian favorite.

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

Category: Pasta

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1/2 pound of penne (or any short pasta).
02 2 tablespoons unsalted butter.
03 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.
04 1/2 shallot, minced fine.
05 4 cloves of 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 shredded smoked mozzarella.
11 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped.
12 Pasta water (as needed).

Instructions

Step 01

Bring a big pot of water to a rolling boil.

Step 02

In a large pan, melt the butter with olive oil over low heat. Toss in the minced shallot and cook for about 4-5 minutes until it softens. Add the garlic and keep cooking for another minute or two.

Step 03

Add the tomato paste and sprinkle in the salt. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes on medium-low heat until the paste darkens in color.

Step 04

Pour in the vodka and stir to deglaze the pan. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until the vodka’s completely evaporated.

Step 05

Take the pan off the burner and stir in the heavy cream. Taste and adjust the salt if needed.

Step 06

Once the water’s boiling, salt it well. Cook the pasta until it’s just slightly firm to the bite (al dente). Save 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 07

Drain the pasta and toss it into the pan with your sauce along with 1/4 cup of the reserved water. Stir over medium heat until the pasta is coated nicely.

Step 08

Stir in the smoked mozzarella and adjust the consistency of the sauce with pasta water, adding a little at a time.

Step 09

Dish it out right away, topped with some chopped parsley for garnish.

Notes

  1. A creamy, flavorful dish that's perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
  2. Thin the sauce to your liking with reserved pasta cooking water.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot.
  • Big frying pan.
  • Strainer.

Allergy Information

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