5-Minute Vodka Pasta Recipes That’ll Save Your Dinner Plans

Written by Sarah in Dinner

Cooking has a way of bringing back memories, doesn’t it? These vodka pasta recipes take me right back to my grandmother’s kitchen, and I’m so excited to share them with you today. They’re quick, easy, and delicious—perfect for those busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat. Let’s dive into these pasta wonders that are set to brighten up your evening!

Creamy Tomato Vodka Pasta

A classic that never disappoints!

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup vodka
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Process:

  1. Cook penne according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, combine vodka and tomato sauce, simmering for 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and mix in the penne.
  4. Serve with fresh basil on top.

Make it Unique:

  • Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for an extra layer of flavor!

Garlic Shrimp Vodka Pasta

This one’s a keeper! I always make this on rainy days, and it never disappoints.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup vodka
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Process:

  1. Cook spaghetti as per package directions. Toss with oil to prevent sticking.
  2. In a skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant, add shrimp, cooking until pink.
  3. Pour in vodka and heavy cream; simmer for 3 minutes.
  4. Mix in spaghetti and serve garnished with parsley.

Make it Unique:

  • Add peas or sun-dried tomatoes for a colorful twist!

Spicy Vodka Pasta

Can’t wait for you to try this! It’s the perfect mix of flavors and so easy to whip up!

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz fusilli pasta
  • 1/2 cup vodka
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Salt to taste

Process:

  1. Cook fusilli according to instructions; drain well.
  2. In a saucepan, combine vodka, tomato sauce, and red pepper flakes; simmer.
  3. Add heavy cream and fusilli, stirring to coat; season to taste.

Make it Unique:

  • For an extra kick, add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce!

Vodka Pasta with Spinach and Artichokes

This one’s perfect for a quick meal that satisfies everyone. I bet you’ll make it again and again.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz ziti pasta
  • 1 cup vodka
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 can artichoke hearts, chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

  1. Cook ziti as per instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large pan, combine vodka and artichokes, simmering for 4 minutes.
  3. Stir in cream and spinach; cook until spinach wilts.
  4. Fold in cooked ziti and season with salt and pepper.

Make it Unique:

  • Swap spinach for kale or add some feta for a tangy twist!

Lemon Vodka Alfredo

Trust me, this recipe is as simple as it gets. You can’t go wrong, and it’s so tasty!

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz fettuccine
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup vodka
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

  1. Cook fettuccine until al dente; drain and set aside.
  2. In a pan, mix vodka and lemon juice; simmer for 2 minutes.
  3. Add heavy cream and parmesan, stirring until creamy; mix in pasta.

Make it Unique:

  • Add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein punch!

Vodka Pasta Bake

Don’t be afraid to play with the ingredients here! I love adding my twist, and you should too.

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 cup vodka sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook penne as per instructions; drain.
  2. In a bowl, combine vodka sauce, cream, and salt; mix in pasta.
  3. Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheeses, and bake for 25 minutes.

Make it Unique:

  • Throw in some cooked sausage or veggies for added flavor!

One-Pot Vodka Pasta

This one’s a lifesaver on busy nights! Quick and oh-so-satisfying.

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup vodka
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Basil for garnish

Process:

  1. In a pot, combine spaghetti, diced tomatoes, vodka, and broth; bring to a boil.
  2. Cook until pasta is al dente; stir in heavy cream.
  3. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Make it Unique:

  • Swap broth with chicken or add some frozen veggies for added nutrients!

Vodka Pasta with Peas and Mint

This is a unique combination that truly surprises the palate.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz farfalle (bowtie pasta)
  • 1 cup vodka sauce
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • Fresh mint, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

  1. Cook farfalle as directed; drain and set aside.
  2. In a pan, heat vodka sauce, stirring in cream and frozen peas.
  3. Add cooked pasta and mix in fresh mint; season to taste.

Make it Unique:

  • Try using lemon mint for a zestier flavor kick!

Vodka Pasta with Ground Beef

This one’s perfect for meat lovers, offering a satisfying twist on classic pasta.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup vodka sauce
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Parmesan for topping

Process:

  1. Brown ground beef in a pan; drain excess fat.
  2. Stir in vodka sauce and heavy cream; simmer.
  3. Combine with cooked penne and top with parmesan before serving.

Make it Unique:

  • Try switching beef for turkey for a leaner option!

By now, you’re probably craving some of these vodka pasta delights. Whether you make one or all, I promise they’ll become regulars in your weeknight menu. Dig into these simple yet flavorful recipes, and see how quickly a comforting pasta can elevate your dinner. Happy cooking!

Recent Posts