Vegetarian Penne Alla Vodka

Total time40 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time30 min

This creamy, blush-pink pasta hits all the right notes without any meat or fish in sight — just a rich tomato-vodka sauce built on crushed whole tomatoes, a good pinch of red pepper flakes, and garlic-infused olive oil for depth. The vodka gets its harsh edge cooked off during a slow simmer, leaving behind a mellow, savory backbone that lets the tomatoes shine. Torn fresh basil and extra grated cheese on top add brightness and a little bite in every forkful. Tossed with tender penne and a splash of reserved pasta water, the sauce turns glossy and clings to every piece rather than pooling at the bottom of the bowl. It's a comforting, restaurant-style dinner that comes together in one skillet, and it's a genuinely solid pick for a vegetarian table.

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Ingredients

4 servings

For the pasta

12 oz gluten free penne pasta
Bionaturae Organic Gluten-Free Penne Rigate Schar Bonta d Italia Pasta Gluten-Free Penne Box - 12 Oz Ronzoni Gluten Free Penne Rigate Pasta Signature SELECT Pasta Gluten Free Penne Rigate - 12 Oz Good Graces Gluten Free Penne
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Chef's tip
Gluten-free pasta often cooks faster, so check it a little early to avoid becoming mushy.
1 tsp kosher salt

For the sauce

3 tbsp garlic-infused olive oil
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
1 can (28 oz) whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
⅓ cup vodka
½ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
¾ cup heavy cream
½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

For serving

¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)

Instructions

1
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the gluten free penne according to package directions until al dente — tender with a slight resistance at the center. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining, then drain the pasta through a colander.
2
While the pasta cooks, heat the garlic-infused olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

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