Shrimp Penne alla Vodka: A Creamy, Dreamy Pasta You’ll Crave Again and Again

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Introduction

When you think of ultimate comfort food, pasta always makes the list—but give it a creamy tomato sauce, a splash of vodka, and juicy shrimp, and suddenly you’ve got something downright irresistible. That’s the magic of Shrimp Penne alla Vodka.

I first fell in love with this dish at a cozy Italian restaurant on a chilly night. It was one of those meals where conversation paused because every forkful deserved full attention. The sauce was velvety, the shrimp were perfectly tender, and the penne caught every last bit of that luscious pink sauce. From then on, I made it my mission to recreate it at home—and guess what? It’s surprisingly easy!

This recipe is the best of both worlds: indulgent enough for date night, but simple enough for a weeknight dinner. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, yet still comes together in under an hour.

Ingredients for Shrimp Penne alla Vodka

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this crowd-pleasing pasta:

  • 12 ounces penne pasta (classic choice, but rigatoni or fusilli also work)
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails optional for presentation)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • ½ cup vodka (good quality—burns off but adds depth)
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (San Marzano if possible)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 cup heavy cream (makes the sauce silky and rich)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Substitution Ideas

  • No vodka? Substitute chicken or vegetable broth with a splash of lemon juice.
  • Lighter option: Swap half-and-half or whole milk for cream.
  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta.
  • Dairy-free: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
  • Vegetarian: Skip the shrimp and stir in roasted veggies like zucchini or mushrooms.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps and you’ll have Shrimp Penne alla Vodka ready to serve in no time:

Step 1: Cook the pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook penne until al dente, according to package directions.
  • Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Sauté the shrimp

  • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat.
  • Add shrimp in a single layer, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  • Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Build the flavor base

  • In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter.
  • Sauté onions until soft and golden, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 30 seconds.

Step 4: Add the vodka

  • Carefully pour in the vodka (it may sizzle!).
  • Stir and let it cook down for 2–3 minutes until reduced by half.

Step 5: Create the sauce

  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  • Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10 minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 6: Make it creamy

  • Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce turns a beautiful pink-orange color.
  • Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.

Step 7: Bring it all together

  • Add the drained pasta into the sauce, tossing until coated.
  • If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of pasta water.
  • Gently stir the shrimp back in to warm through.

Step 8: Serve

  • Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
  • Serve hot with crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Extra Tips for Success

  • Serving Suggestions: Pair Shrimp Penne alla Vodka with garlic bread, roasted asparagus, or a crisp Caesar salad. It also shines with a glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce silky.
  • Variations:
    • Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
    • Use scallops or chicken instead of shrimp.
    • Spice it up with extra chili flakes.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 580
  • Protein: 32g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 720mg

(Source: Orsara Recipes)

FAQ Section

How long does Shrimp Penne alla Vodka take to make?
About 40 minutes total, including prep and cooking.

Can I substitute the vodka?
Yes—use chicken broth or vegetable broth with a squeeze of lemon juice for acidity.

Can I freeze Shrimp Penne alla Vodka?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze the sauce (without shrimp) for up to 2 months. Add freshly cooked shrimp when reheating.

Conclusion

There you have it—Shrimp Penne alla Vodka, a restaurant-quality pasta that’s comforting, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. This recipe brings together the richness of a tomato cream sauce, the kick of vodka, and the tenderness of shrimp for a dish that feels like a celebration every time you serve it.

So next time you want to impress your family, your partner, or just treat yourself, whip up this pasta and watch how quickly it disappears from plates. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll crave it again and again.

If you make this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment below—I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! And if you snap a picture, tag me so I can drool over your delicious creation. Buon appetito!