Instant Pot Penne Alla Vodka

This Instant Pot Penne Alla Vodka is a perfect creamy pasta recipe, best for a quick & easy dinner. Sprinkle some fresh parmesan cheese and serve a restaurant-quality meal right from your kitchen.

I love this penne alla vodka pasta, the creamy tomato sauce and shredded parmesan makes it a delicious treat. Also, the pasta has an extra dose of flavor with the vodka added. But, you don't need to worry about the alcohol because as we simmer, the alcohol burns off. So, it makes this recipe kid-friendly too and it is completely vegetarian.

Easy 30-minute Pasta Dinner

If you are looking to have a delicious yet easy 30-minute pasta dinner, look no further. And oh, did I mention, you can make this pasta in the Instant pot. You don't need to drain the water and go through multiple pots and pans.

I love making pasta in the instant pot such as this Fajita Pasta and Creamy Mushroom Pasta, as it saves so much time with the one-pot method, and less pots to clean is a big plus.

You can enjoy this instant pot penne in vodka sauce with some air-fryer crispy broccoli.

What is special about Penne Alla Vodka?

Penne Alla vodka is your day-to-day pasta recipe. But, it is upgraded with the extra flavor of vodka. It is a simple and cheesy pasta that has been tossed in a spicy tomato sauce and vodka.

How to make Instant Pot Penne Alla Vodka?

Like every recipe, start by gathering the ingredients.

Vodka - You can use any vodka you have, I have used gray goose as that is what I had that at home.

Pasta - Usually, this recipe calls for penne pasta, but you can also use rigatoni, rotini, or any other kind of pasta.

Crushed tomatoes - You can use canned San Marzano tomatoes as they have a rich flavor. If you can't find them, you can use other varieties of canned crushed tomatoes. In a pinch, you can also use marinara sauce.

Cream - I have used heavy cream as it gives the right amount of creaminess to the dish. For a vegan variation, use coconut milk. It works perfectly in this pasta.

Parmesan cheese - I used freshly grated parmesan from a block. I love to grate parmesan when serving too. It just makes the family feel special when we grate it fresh on the served pasta bowl.

Now that all the items are ready, it is time to get started on this delicious Penne Alla Vodka

• Sauté the diced onions along with the minced garlic and seasoning. If you like it spicy, you can add some crushed red pepper.
• Then add vodka to the sautéed onions and garlic and let it reduce. Stand back while pouring the vodka in the instant pot as it will steam up immediately.
• Then add the penne and water to the pot. Give it a stir.
• Then add the crushed tomatoes on the top. Do not stir. Just press down to make sure that all of the penne is under the crushed tomatoes.

• Then close the instant pot with the vent in a sealing position. Change the setting to pressure cook at high pressure for 4 minutes. Usually, the time to cook al dente pasta in the instant pot is - Half the time as suggested on the pasta box minus 1 minute.
• Quick-release the pressure manually as soon as the instant pot beeps.
• Then add the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and stir it well.

• Garnish with chopped basil leaves and top it with freshly grated parmesan.

• If you want it spicier, add some crushed red pepper on top of the pasta.

Stovetop Method

You can also cook the penne alla vodka on the stovetop. Follow the steps below:

Cook Pasta: Cook pasta based on package directions in a large stockpot. Drain and set aside. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water.

Prepare Sauce: Heat a large wok or dutch oven on medium heat. Add oil, onion, and minced garlic. Saute for 2-3 minutes until the onions soften. Then add the Italian seasoning and mix.

Now turn off the heat and add the vodka. Saute for a couple of minutes till it reduces, then stir in the crushed tomatoes. Let it saute for a couple of minutes.

Combine Pasta: Add the cooked pasta and stir. Add reserved pasta water as needed if the pasta looks dry. You might not need all of it. Add the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and stir it well. Adjust seasoning by adding salt if needed.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves and freshly grated parmesan. Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes to make it spicy.

Tips for Perfect Pasta

• Do not mix the pasta and other ingredients after adding crushed tomatoes to the instant pot. This is to make sure you don't get a burn.
• Always pressure cook the pasta for half the time minus 1 minute of the time mentioned on the package.
• After cooking is completed, remove the steel insert from the instant pot, so the bottom does not continue cooking from the heat. 
• You can store this pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, add the pasta to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds to a minute.
• You can also add chicken or shrimp to this pasta and make it protein-rich.

Hope you enjoy this easy Penne in vodka sauce recipe. Don't forget to share your recipe with hashtag #pipingpotcury when you make it.

Check out 10+ vegetarian instant pot pasta recipes for more inspiration.