Pink Vodka Penne for Date Night

Name: Pink Vodka Penne for Date Night
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 onion, finely chopped; 1 can (14 oz) San Marzano tomatoes, crushed; 1/2 cup vodka; 3/4 cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh basil, for garnish; Parmesan cheese, for serving

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

When I'm planning a special evening in, nothing beats my Pink Vodka Penne. This dish combines the creamy richness of vodka sauce with the zest of fresh tomatoes, creating a romantic vibe that's perfect for date night. I love how the flavors meld together, providing a delicious backdrop to a cozy meal. Each bite bursts with flavor, while the smooth texture keeps the experience delightful. This recipe truly captures the essence of home dining, allowing us to enjoy a luxurious meal without stepping out. Let me share this experience with you!

Created by

Olivia Barrett

Last updated on 2026-01-10T01:28:09.278Z

One night, I decided to recreate a beloved restaurant dish for a date in. By using high-quality ingredients, like San Marzano tomatoes and fresh herbs, the flavor elevated the entire meal. The creamy vodka sauce was my crowning achievement—it brought together all the flavors beautifully. Each ingredient played a role, ensuring the dish had depth without overwhelming it.

When cooking the penne, remember not to overboil it. Al dente pasta is key to capturing the sauce beautifully. I also like to finish the dish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan to truly impress! This Pink Vodka Penne never fails to impress and sets the perfect atmosphere for any romantic occasion.

        Why You'll Love This Dish
        Creamy blend of vodka sauce with a hint of tomato sweetness.
Perfectly balanced flavors make every bite delightful.
Easily customizable with your favorite proteins or veggies.

      

Ingredient Insights

The key to achieving the beautiful balance in Pink Vodka Penne lies in the quality of your ingredients. Using San Marzano tomatoes offers a rich sweetness and a velvety texture that enhances your sauce. These tomatoes are known for their low acidity and natural sweetness, making them the perfect base for creating a luscious vodka sauce. I recommend using whole canned San Marzano tomatoes and crushing them by hand for a more rustic feel, allowing you to control the consistency of the sauce better.

Vodka plays a crucial role in this recipe, as it helps to meld the flavors of the cream and tomato. When added to the sauce, vodka releases its alcohol content, allowing the flavors to intensify without leaving a strong taste of alcohol. If you prefer to make this dish alcohol-free, you can substitute the vodka with a splash of vegetable broth or a mixture of water and a touch of lemon juice to mimic the acidity without overwhelming the dish.

Techniques for Success

A common challenge when making creamy pasta dishes is preventing the sauce from becoming too thick or curdled. To ensure a smooth and glossy sauce, always add the cream over low heat, and avoid boiling once it's added. Gently stirring in the cream will create a luxuriously creamy texture. If you find your sauce getting too thick as it simmers, a splash of reserved pasta water can help adjust the consistency while adding a bit of starch to help the sauce adhere to the pasta.

For the perfect al dente penne, cooking time is essential. Follow the package instructions closely, checking the pasta one to two minutes before the recommended time. The goal is to achieve a tender pasta with a slight bite that will hold up well in the sauce. After draining, toss the pasta lightly with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, ensuring that each penne is perfectly dressed in the vodka sauce when ready to serve.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your Pink Vodka Penne:

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1 can (14 oz) San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
1/2 cup vodka
3/4 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, for garnish
Parmesan cheese, for serving

Mix and match these ingredients to make the dish your own!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfect Pink Vodka Penne:

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Tomatoes and Vodka

Stir in the crushed San Marzano tomatoes and the vodka. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to meld.

Incorporate Cream

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, mixing well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked penne pasta into the sauce and toss until the pasta is well coated. Allow to heat for an additional minute.

Serve

Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delicious Pink Vodka Penne!

Feel free to add protein or veggies as per your preference!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the aromatics. This will give your dish a subtle heat that complements the creaminess beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing Pink Vodka Penne with a light side salad or garlic bread can elevate your dining experience further. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta, while crisp garlic bread is perfect for savoring every drop of the delicious sauce. Consider a light, refreshing dessert afterward, such as sorbet, to cleanse the palate and conclude your special evening.

For an added touch of elegance, serve your Pink Vodka Penne on warmed plates. This simple step can enhance the dining experience, keeping the pasta at the perfect temperature longer. Also, providing freshly cracked black pepper at the table allows guests to customize their flavor experience and adds a nice finishing touch.

Customizations and Variations

Feel free to customize your Pink Vodka Penne by adding proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp, which can be sautéed in the same skillet after the aromatics are softened. Simply remove the cooked protein before adding the tomatoes and vodka, then return it to the pan with the pasta for a complete meal. Vegetarians can opt for sautéed mushrooms or spinach, which accompany the sauce beautifully and add another layer of flavor.

If you're looking to lighten the dish without sacrificing taste, consider substituting half of the heavy cream with a plant-based cream alternative or yogurt for a tangy twist. Just be mindful of the heat, as too high of a temperature can cause dairy alternatives to curdle. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain the depth of flavor in your Pink Vodka Penne.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before adding the pasta.

→ What can I substitute for vodka?

You can use white wine or omit the alcohol entirely; just add a splash of extra lemon juice for acidity.

→ Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, it's completely vegetarian! You can add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp if desired.

→ What sides pair well with Pink Vodka Penne?

A simple green salad or garlic bread makes for perfect accompaniments to this elegant dish.