Vodka Pasta

    5m prep time
    15m total time
    Easy level
    13 ingredients

Penne alla Vodka is a famous Italian dish recently popularised by model Gigi Hadid on Tiktok. The sauce is creamy, luscious and slightly spicy. Don’t be alarmed by the vodka, the harshness is simmered off during cooking, leaving a gentle acidity that balances out the richness and sweetness of the creamy tomato. However, if the vodka isn't for you, this dish is perfectly delicious without it!

Method

Based on 4 servings, adjust as needed.

Step 1

Boil your pasta in salted water as per the instructions on the packet.

Step 2

On a medium-low heat, fry the onion in the butter for 2 minutes until soft. Add in the chopped garlic and the chilli flakes and cook for a further 1 minute. Add the tomato purée and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes. The tomato puree should turn a deeper red colour as it caramelises, but be careful not to burn it.

Step 3

Pour in the vodka and use the liquid to scrape up any bits stuck to the base of the pan. Bubble away until the liquid has evaporated. Add the double cream along with 1 cup of the pasta water and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4

Drain your pasta, reserving some more of the water. Toss the pasta in the sauce on a low heat, along with the grated parmesan (and an extra splash of pasta water if it needs it) to create a silky sauce. Taste for seasoning and add in a few torn basil leaves.

Step 5

Divide the pasta between four bowls and top with extra parmesan, basil and chilli flakes if you like. If serving with the salad, dress the mixed salad with a little olive oil and the lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper and serve on the side.
  • Ingredients
  • Based on 4 servings
  • 80g Mixed Salad 1 x Sainsbury's Butterhead Salad 90g
  • 0.5 Lemon, juiced 1 x Sainsbury's Lemons
  • 10g Basil, torn 1 x Sainsbury's Fresh Packed Basil 30g
  • 6 tbsp Tomato Purée 1 x Sainsbury's Tomato Puree, Double Concentrate 200g
  • 500g Penne Pasta, (or any other shape) 1 x Sainsbury's Penne Rigate Pasta 500g
  • 40g Vegetarian Parmesan, grated 1 x Stamford Street Co. Italian Hard Cheese 200g
  • 4 tbsp Vodka 1 x Triple Distilled British Vodka 35cl
  • 100ml Double Cream 1 x Sainsbury's British Double Cream 150ml
  • 2 tbsp Butter 1 x Sainsbury's British Butter, Salted 250g
  • 0.5 tsp Chilli Flakes 1 x Sainsbury's Crushed Chillies 85g
  • 2 Garlic Cloves, finely chopped 1 x Sainsbury's Garlic
  • 1 Onion (or Shallot), finely chopped 1 x Sainsbury's Onions Loose
  • Maldon Salt, to taste 1 x Maldon Sea Salt Flakes 250g
Shop this recipe
Products and prices from