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This easy vodka sauce recipe makes a creamy, luscious pasta sauce. The recipe came straight from my neighbor’s Italian mother, so you know it has to be the best!
Delicious Details
- Cuisine Inspiration: Italian-American
- Primary Cooking Method: Stovetop
- Dietary Info: Gluten-free option
- Skill Level: Easy
I grew up in New Jersey where there was a large Italian-American population. We had local pizza and pasta restaurants on nearly every corner run by families who were from Italy themselves or were only a generation or two removed from Italian immigrants. All of this is to say, I was lucky to get a taste of authentic Italian cuisine as a kid. You really can’t beat traditional Italian cooking.
That’s why I’m so excited to share this vodka sauce recipe with you. This recipe my friends, is as authentically Italian-American as it gets. This luscious homemade vodka sauce recipe comes directly from my old next-door neighbor’s Italian mother. We have literally been making it for decades and I have never had a better vodka sauce anywhere – not even in fancy restaurants.
What Makes This Vodka Sauce So Good?
- Simple ingredients: A short list of six ingredients is all you need to make this pasta sauce and it comes together in minutes – it’ll be ready before the noodles boil!
- Flavorful: The finished sauce is so creamy and flavorful it transforms any dish into a feast.
- Versatile: But you can also customize it by serving it over different types of pasta, using it on pizza, or adding other veggies and proteins. Keep reading and I’ll share some ideas!
- Naturally gluten free: Yes, every ingredient is gluten free, so as long as you serve it with GF pasta or even zoodles, you can still enjoy an Italian classic.
Amazing!! I added in some diced tomatoes for some texture at the end & it was great! By far the BEST vodka sauce recipe, thank you for sharing! I never leave reviews but this was so good I had to! – Katie
It was SO delicious! I made it this evening with lobster ravioli for my Mom and sisters. They absolutely loved it. It was so easy too, and extra sauce to use again! Loved it! – Debra
What is Vodka Sauce?
Classic Vodka Sauce is similar to a pink sauce, rosa sauce, or tomato cream sauce, but with something a little extra – vodka. It is often served as part of a traditional Penne alla Vodka, which is a staple on the menu of many Italian restaurants.
Vodka sauce starts with a simple tomato sauce, then made extra creamy with butter, heavy cream, parmesan cheese. Lastly, the vodka goes in. It is definitely an indulgence, but the creamy deliciousness is with a splurge sometimes!
Try my Lightened-Up Penne with Tomato Cream Sauce. You still get some of that creaminess and zing because it is made with Greek yogurt, but it definitely cuts a few calories.
What You’ll Need
Now that we have talked about what it is and why it is so delicious, let’s talk about how to make it. First, let’s start with a quick look at what goes into vodka sauce. Scroll down to the recipe card for a printable list of ingredients.
- Butter – I typically use unsalted butter.
- Vodka – Any brand will work just fine, but be sure it is not a flavored vodka.
- Red pepper flakes – You can omit this if you are sensitive to spice, but it isn’t very spicy. It just adds a nice bit of background warmth to the dish.
- Canned crushed tomatoes – I recommend Tuttorosso Canned Crushed Tomatoes. It has been my favorite for years and is the only one I use in this recipe.
- Heavy cream – For the best flavor and creaminess I do not recommend substituting this with anything else like milk or half and half.
- Grated parmesan cheese – I prefer to freshly grate it or buy a store-grated parmesan cheese that does not have added fillers.
How to Make Vodka Sauce
Here is a brief overview so you can see just how easy it is to make. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for the full details.
- Cook out the alcohol. Melt the butter in a saucepan, then add the vodka and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook for a couple of minutes to cook out the alcohol.
- Simmer and serve. Add the crushed tomatoes, bring it to a simmer, and cook until slightly thickened. Stir in the cream and cook to heat through, but don’t let it boil. then stir in the cheese and serve!
Ways to Use Vodka Sauce
Vodka sauce has so much flavor that you can simply serve it as-is over pasta for a fabulous meatless meal. Penne alla vodka is the traditional way to enjoy it. For this, simply coat cooked penne pasta with this sauce and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese. There are other options too:
- Pasta: I’ve already mentioned penne, but you really can enjoy with your favorite pasta shape, from fettuccine to bowties. It’s also wonderful on gluten free gnocchi.
- Spaghetti Squash or Zoodles: It’s a keto friendly meal with these alternatives to noodles. Check out the 5 ways to cook spaghetti squash.
- Use it on Pizza: You can even use it instead of tomato sauce on a Gluten Free Pizza!
Variation Ideas
- Lighten It Up: While I don’t recommend substituting heavy cream, you can go with half and half if you really need to, and you can also cut the amount of butter in half.
- Make It Garlicky: I like the more subtle flavor here, but some people prefer to add a little garlic to the butter or even mix in roasted garlic.
- Fill Up With Protein: If you are looking to add more protein, it’s great with bits of crispy prosciutto, cooked and crumbled sausage, or sliced grilled chicken if you want some meat, or sauteedshrimp for a seafood dish. You can also add some Gluten Free Meatballs.
- Add Some Veggies: Peas or broccoli are also a common and tasty addition, especially if you like to add some vegetables and a little pop of color. Sauteed mushrooms or roasted red peppers are also a great option.
- Have More Cheese: An extra sprinkle of parmesan never hurts, but also try adding some slices of fresh mozzarella.
- Freshen With Herbs: A sprinkle of minced parsley or thinly-sliced basil balances out the richness.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
- Refrigerate: In a sealed container, leftover vodka sauce will keep in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
- Freeze: I do not recommend freezing it as the heavy cream will become watery and it will have an undesirable consistency..
- Reheat: Pour any leftover vodka sauce in a saucepan and gently warm over low to medium heat until warmed through. Do not let it come to a boil or it will separate.
Vodka Sauce FAQs
The vodka in vodka sauce helps emulsify the water in the tomato sauce with the fat from the cream and butter. Thus making for a smoother sauce, as well as enhancing the flavors. And the tangy zing balances the richness of the dish.
Also, as it cooks, the alcohol evaporates. So while it does not taste like vodka, the evaporation of the alcohol helps carry the aromas into the air. This helps to both intensify and balance the flavors.
No, you won’t get drunk from vodka sauce. This vodka sauce recipe makes about twelve servings and calls for a total of two-thirds of a cup of vodka (for reference, this is about three and a half shots, or one-third of a shot per serving). Vodka is typically 80 proof, or 40% alcohol by volume. This would mean that prior to cooking, there are about 4 Tablespoons of alcohol in the sauce or about a teaspoon per serving.
For those who are concerned, based on the amount of time this dish simmers, 60% of this would cook off. Thus leaving less than a half a teaspoon of pure alcohol, of the equivalent of less than one-tenth of a shot.
Yes, you can easily make this vodka sauce recipe gluten free to serve over your favorite gluten free pasta or zoodles for a delicious gluten free pasta dinner!
Most of the ingredients are gluten free foods you can eat without concern. In particular, the dairy products – butter, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese – are naturally gluten free. The only real caution is that some brands of pre-grated parmesan cheese could add gluten-containing fillers. The same is true for red pepper flakes and canned tomatoes, though most are fine. Just make sure you know what to look for when reading labels for foods that contain gluten.
Vodka is typically distilled from raw foods like potatoes and corn, meaning it is gluten free. However, some brands are distilled from the gluten grains of wheat, barley, and rye. While the distillation process removes the alcohol from the gluten, some Celiacs may have an adverse reaction to it. However, there are many brands of gluten-free vodka available, such as Tito’s, Smirnoff, Ciroc, Dixie, Deep Eddy, and Crystal Head, to name a few. You can learn more in my article Is Vodka Gluten Free?
Make it a Meal
Whether you made penne alla vodka or another type of vodka pasta, let’s round out the meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with it:
- Vegetables. You’ll love the savory flavor of Roasted Balsamic Vegetables or try a batch of Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters with Balsamic Roasted Tomatoes.
- Bread. You’ll want to scoop up the extra sauce with Gluten Free Garlic Breadsticks or Gluten Free Focaccia. If you are keeping it low carb with spaghetti squash, add Spinach Artichoke Cauliflower Breadsticks.
- Salad. Go hearty with Italian Wedge Salad or have a simple tossed salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing. You can also skip the greens and enjoy a Tomato Caprese with Burrata from Casa de Crews.
Best Homemade Vodka Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (2 ounces or 1/2 stick)
- 2/3 cup vodka
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 28 oz. canned crushed tomatoes (I use the Tuttorosso brand which has basil in it. If you use another brand without basil, you may want to add a pinch)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Pasta or zucchini noodles for serving
Instructions
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the vodka and red pepper flakes (if using), bring to a simmer and cook for a couple of minutes to cook out the alcohol.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, bring to a simmer and cook for about five minutes, or until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the cream and cook for another five minutes, then stir in the cheese.
- Serve over pasta or zucchini noodles.
Notes
Did you make this?
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This us a very good, quick recipe! I cut itt in half for 2-3 servings, added a dash of garlic powder and thickened it with one tablespoon of cornstarch. My husband says ” it’s a keeper. I served it over gluten free tortellini and shrimp. It easily could be served to company. Thanks for sharing with us!
This sauce was amazing! The best I have had. I did make a slight difference. I added 3 cloves of roasted garlic. A do used Parmesan Romano grated cheese and ground Italian sausage. Amazing!!!
I Adore a vodka Rosa sauce! Looking forward to trying this recipe out. I would like to submit some alternatives.
Lactose Free Half/Half by LandOLakes brand will work beautifully in this recipe for those Who want to use this recipe But are lactose intolerant.
For a thicker sauce at the end of completing the recipe:
Use a small cornstarch slurry, equal parts corn starch and water.
So excited to test out this recipe!!!!
Can people allergic to alcohol have this?
I cannot advise on that and would recommend the person speak to their doctor.
So the cooking method used here does not burn off the alcohol completely then.
Because I do not know the nature of the allergy and I am not a medical professional, I really cannot advise whether enough boils off. Yes, alcohol does tend to cook off, but I don’t know how much triggers the person’s allergy.
Thanks. I appreciate the information. The recipe looks so good, but I do have a family member who can’t drink alcohol. I have cooked with small portions of alcohol, with no problem, but your recipe has a large portion so I’m concerned. Thanks again.
This sounds great. Does it freeze well?
You can freeze it, but because of the cream, the texture might change a bit, so you’ll probably have to whisk it a bit when you reheat it.
It was SO delicious! I made it this evening with lobster ravioli for my Mom and sisters. They absolutely loved it. It was so easy too, and extra sauce to use again! Loved it!
Amazing!! I added in some diced tomatoes for some texture at the end & it was great! By far the BEST vodka sauce recipe, thank you for sharing! I never leave reviews but this was so good I had to!
I love hearing this!
how long does this last? If I made today and put it in a jar in the refrigerator?,
Because of the heavy cream, it is probably best to eat it within 3-4 days.
I am going to make this recipe today. If I add the prosciutto should I use olive oil instead of the butter to saute?
I would crisp up the prosciutto in a separate pan or in the oven. You really don’t need any additional butter or oil to get it crispy, then just sprinkle it on top at the end.
I think this is terrific and super easy. p.s. I added a little garlic
Oh good, glad you enjoyed it and even tweaked it to your preferences.
No shallots??
No, not in this recipe.
Very nice recipe – easy. I’ve made many vodka sauce recipes but this is a good one. I can’t see how you get your sauce so light in color with only one cup of heavy cream though. Mine is more orange unless I use a lot more heavy cream.
Thanks so much. Hmm, I’m not sure but we have used this recipe for years and it is always pink. Maybe the lighting of my photos versus your kitchen?
It says it serves 1, is that correct?
No, I’m sorry I converted to a new recipe program and I have not updated the serving sizes in each recipe to display correctly. This makes a good deal of sauce. You can cover more than a 1 pound box of pasta.
I never have been able to get into vodka sauce but I have a friend who just adores it. I’ll have to pass this along to her! Thanks for linking up with Delicious Dishes Link Party!
I love vodka sauce and I can’t to try your version. Thanks for sharing.
Looks delicious! Thank you for sharing at Merry Monday!
I’ve never ever had vodka sauce. Now, I’m dying to make this recipe. Looks oh so tasty!
Simple and delicious like all good Italian food 🙂 Would definitely love to have a jar in my fridge!! This is my first time participating in Sunday Supper and I’m loving all the fantastic recipes!!
I love a tasty sauce with cream. Very rich tasting!
Vodka sauce is a true classic. Thanks for reminding me how much I love it! (And need to make it!)
I love Classic Vodka Sauce! One of my favorites!
I’ve never made vodka sauce – it sounds sooo decadent
Yep, I’ve put this sauce on my website too. I love it because it can be made quickly and, especially if you’ve had a long day at the office, it’s a great excuse to sip some vodka while you’re cooking.
Another Jersey girl here who grew up with local “pizza & Pasta” joints with fabulous food. Love it.
Yum! Love vodka sauce. Yours looks delicious and such a beautiful color!
Simple directions make this recipe a keeper!
I totally understand you… I am very spoilt too when it comes to Italian food… 😉
Delicious looking sauce!