Instant Pot Penne Alla Vodka

Instant Pot Penne alla Vodka is a creamy, comforting pasta dish that combines tender penne with a rich tomato and cream sauce infused with a touch of vodka. This one-pot recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in a fraction of the time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners at home.

 

Penne Alla Vodka is my family's favorite restaurant dish. I love to cook Italian food. This dish is so simple and flavorful, and with just a few ingredients you can make a wholesome meal in no time.

Using the Instant Pot simplifies the process by cooking the pasta and sauce together, resulting in fewer dishes and perfectly coated noodles.

This Penne Alla Vodak recipe is inspired by our local Italian restaurant. It is a huge hit in my family!

Jump to:

• About
• Ingredients
• Penne Alla Vodka In Instant Pot
• Stovetop Penne Alla Vodka
• How to cook pasta in an Instant Pot?
• Pro Tips
• Substitutions and Variations
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How To Make This Vegan
• Serving Suggestions
• Instant Pot Pasta Recipes
• Instant Pot Penne Alla Vodka

 

About

Penne Alla Vodka is a classic Italian-American dish known for its smooth, velvety sauce made from tomatoes, cream, and a splash of vodka that enhances the flavor and texture.

The vodka or the alcohol is cooked along with the tomatoes. As the sauce is simmered, the alcohol burns off, thus enhancing the flavors of the sauce.

Ingredients

• Penne pasta: The ideal shape for holding the creamy sauce.
• Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce: Create the body of the vodka sauce.
• Garlic and onion: Build the aromatic base of the sauce.
• Olive oil and butter: Provide richness and depth of flavor.
• Vodka: Adds a subtle sharpness that balances the creaminess.
• Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its signature silky texture. For the lighter version use half and half, or milk.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness and umami.
• Broth or Water: For the sauce and to cook pasta
• Optional: Piece of Parmigiana-Reggiano rind [around 1-2 inch]
• Oregano or Italian Seasoning: To flavor the pasta
• Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes: Season and add gentle heat.
• Fresh basil or parsley: For garnish and freshness.

Penne Alla Vodka In Instant Pot

1. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil and butter.
2. Add onions, garlic, oregano, and red chili flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add Vodka, and deglaze the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Turn OFF SAUTE.
4. Add pasta, salt and pepper to taste, water (or broth), and tomatoes. Do NOT stir. Note: Add the above ingredients in order, and do NOT stir.
5. Close the lid, vent sealed. Turn ON MANUAL / PRESSURE COOK (high) for 5 minutes. Note: Please see the recipe notes on – How to cook pasta in Instant Pot
6. Once the Instant Pot beeps, do a quick pressure release. Open the lid.
7. Add cream, and Parmesan cheese, and mix well until cheese melts. Note: No need to turn ON SAUTE, the cheese will melt in the residual heat.
8. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, grated cheese, and red chili flakes (optional).
9. Enjoy this delicious Penne Alla Vodka. Bon-Appetit!!

 

Stovetop Penne Alla Vodka

1. Cook pasta as per package directions. Reserve 1 cup of cooking pasta water for later use. Drain the pasta and keep it aside.
2. In a Dutch oven, or a pot, heat oil, over medium-high heat.
3. Add onions, garlic, oregano, and red chili flakes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
4. Now, add Vodka, and deglaze the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add tomatoes, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for 20-25 minutes.
6. Now, add drained pasta, and mix well to coat the sauce. Turn OFF the heat.
7. Add cream, and Parmesan cheese, and mix well until cheese melts.
8. Garnish with some fresh basil leaves, grated cheese, and red chili flakes (optional).
9. Enjoy this delicious Penne Alla Vodka. Bon-Appetit!!

How to cook pasta in an Instant Pot?

Cooking pasta can be very tricky, especially in an Instant pot (pressure cooker). Here's how I cook pasta in Instant pot.

For Instant pot cooking, just add enough liquid (water or broth, and crushed tomatoes) to cover the pasta. Reduce the cooking time to “HALF” what is recommended on the box of the pasta, followed by a quick pressure release.

For aldente pasta, I reduce the cooking time to "HALF MINUS ONE".

Pro Tips

• Deglaze the pot with vodka before adding tomatoes to prevent the “burn” warning.
• Stir well before sealing to ensure pasta is evenly submerged.
• Allow the sauce to rest for a few minutes after cooking for a thicker consistency.
• Grate Parmesan fresh for the best flavor and smooth texture.
• Always add cream, and cheese once the pressure cooking is done. The cheese melts in the residual heat. However, you can simmer the pasta for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is incorporated well. Do not overcook the pasta after adding the cream.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its creamiest.

Substitutions and Variations

• Pasta: Substitute penne with rigatoni, ziti, or fusilli.
• Vodka: Replace with chicken broth or water for a non-alcoholic version.
• Cream: Use half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option.
• Protein: Add cooked chicken, or shrimp for extra heartiness.
• Veggies: Add peas, corn, broccoli, or mushrooms, or leafy greens like spinach, or kale for added flavor
• Spice: Increase red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
• Vegan: Use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Make This Vegan

Here are some of the vegan alternatives you can use to make this dish vegan.

• Use vegan cheese – use dairy-free Parmesan cheese
• Coconut cream – use coconut cream or coconut milk.
• Nuts – I use cashews to make this dairy-free.
• Soak ¼ cup of cashews for a couple of hours or until soft. Alternatively, to speed up the process soak cashews in hot water, works just fine. Blend the cashews to a fine paste, using the water the cashews are soaked in, and add it to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Penne Alla Vodka with some Roasted Lemon Garlic Broccoli, Easy Garlic Knots, and some Classic Caesar salad.

Storage

Pasta stays good for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Store it in a clean, glass container. Re-heat the pasta in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or broth and microwave it for a minute or so. Penne Alla Vodka is ready to be devoured!

 

Instant Pot Pasta Recipes