Instant Pot Penne Alla Vodka
Creamy and flavorful, Instant Pot Penne alla Vodka combines tender pasta with a rich tomato-cream sauce for a quick, restaurant-quality meal made in one pot.
Equipment
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb tubular pasta(penne or rigatoni)
- 28 oz tomatoes, crushed or sauce
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoon oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes, adjust to taste
- ½ cup vodka
- ½– ¾ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups water or broth
- ½ cup Parmigiana-Reggiano, grated
- Piece of Parmigiana-Reggiano rind [around 1-2 inch], optional
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and pepper, adjust to taste
- Handful of fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Penne Alla Vodka In Instant Pot
- Turn ON SAUTE (more). When it displays “HOT”, add oil.
- Add onions, garlic, oregano, and red chili flakes. Saute for 1-2 minutes.
- Add Vodka, and deglaze the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Turn OFF SAUTE.
- 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.
- 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
- Once the Instant Pot beeps, do a quick pressure release. Open the lid.
- 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.
- Garnish with some fresh basil leaves, grated cheese, and red chili flakes (optional).
- Enjoy this delicious Penne Alla Vodka. Bon-appetit!!
Stovetop Penne Alla Vodka
- Cook pasta as per package directions. Reserve 1 cup of cooking pasta water for later use. Drain the pasta and keep it aside.
- In a Dutch oven, or a pot, heat oil, over medium-high heat.
- Add onions, garlic, oregano, and red chili flakes. Saute for 2-3 minutes.
- Add Vodka, and deglaze the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for 20-25 minutes.
- Add drained pasta, and mix well to coat the sauce. Turn OFF the heat.
- Add cream, and Parmesan cheese, and mix well until cheese melts.
- Garnish with some fresh basil leaves, grated cheese, and red chili flakes (optional).
- Enjoy this delicious Penne Alla Vodka. Bon-appetit!!
Notes
How to cook pasta in Instant Pot?
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, 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Instant Pot Penne Alla Vodka
Amount per Serving
Calories
568
% Daily Value*
Fat
9
g
14
%
Saturated Fat
1
g
6
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
5
g
Sodium
285
mg
12
%
Potassium
915
mg
26
%
Carbohydrates
104
g
35
%
Fiber
9
g
38
%
Sugar
13
g
14
%
Protein
19
g
38
%
Vitamin A
593
IU
12
%
Vitamin C
22
mg
27
%
Calcium
127
mg
13
%
Iron
5
mg
28
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Disclaimer
Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.
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