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Penne Alla Vodka is a classic Italian pasta dish with a smooth and creamy tomato-based sauce. This restaurant-favorite dish is simple to make at home using the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker.
I love to cook food that I have enjoyed in restaurants and Penne Alla Vodka is one of my favorites. I have made this pasta on the stovetop for a long time and couldn't wait to try it in my Instant Pot. So quick, easy, and perfect every time!!
Note: Original post published in April 2017 has been updated with new photos and a video.
Jump to:
- Pasta in the Instant Pot
- Tips for perfect Instant Pot Pasta
- Adding Vodka to Pasta
- Instant Pot Pasta Cook Time
- Variations
- Process
- Serving
- How to add protein or veggies to Penne Alla Vodka
- Recipe
Pasta in the Instant Pot
So why Cook Pasta in the Instant Pot? The answer is simple - Cookingthe pasta in theInstant Potgives it a naturally creamy texture as it does require draining the excess water after pressure cooking. The starchy pasta water adds a great texture and flavor to the final dish.
Tips for perfect Instant Pot Pasta
- Add enough water/broth/tomato sauce so that most of the pasta is under the liquids
- Always layer the pasta sauce on top of the water or broth and do not mix it in. This will prevent the dreaded BURN error.
- For well-cooked pasta, pressure cook pasta for half the time on the pasta box
- For Al dente pasta, pressure cook for half the time on the pasta box minus 1 minute
- Always add cream after the pasta is done pressure cooking
- Quick releasing after pressure cooking will prevent the pasta from overcooking
Adding Vodka to Pasta
Ever wonder what flavors Vodka adds to this pasta dish? Here are a few things vodka does:
- Adds a touch of heat and sharpness
- Helps balance the sweetness of tomatoes and cream
- For anyone wondering - most of the alcohol in this recipe is cooked off and the pasta is completely safe even for kids to enjoy.
- For more info check out this article from Serious Eats
Instant Pot Pasta Cook Time
This recipe works well with regular pasta as well as gluten-free pasta. Here are a few basic things you may find useful when you are trying to figure out the Instant Pot pasta cook times for any variety of pasta.
- For regular pasta, check the cook time on the box. If you like well-cooked pasta, pressure cook it for half the time on the pasta package. So if the Package says 10 minutes, pressure cook for 5 minutes.
- If you like your pasta al dente, half the time from the package and minus one minute. So if the Package says 10 mins, pressure cook for 4 mins
- I love Trader Joe'sgluten-free pasta varieties. I have used the brown rice pasta in this recipe which has cook time of 7 - 10 minutes. So for al dente pasta I pressure cook it for 4 mins followed by quick release
Variations
- Don't have marinara sauce. Here are some other substitutes that also work equally well: diced ripeplum tomatoes, canned tomato puree, Puree a can ofpeeled plum tomatoes, and add mincedfreshgarlic to it
- If you do not have Vodka or do not want to use it, simply use equal amount of broth instead
Process
Step by Step Recipe to make Penne Alla Vodka in the Instant Pot
Step 1: Turn the Instant Pot to Saute mode and heat oil.Add onions, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes with a glass lid on.Add vodka, mix well and cook for another 2 mins to reduce the vodka.
Step 2:Add pasta, salt, water, and tomato puree. Close the Instant Pot and Pressure cook for 4 minutes (Please check the notes on the recipe card for the pressure cooking times of different types of pasta)
Step 3: Quick release the pressure and open the lid. Stir in cream. Add parsley and grated cheese. Mix well and Serve hot.
Serving
Serve pasta with a side of Air FriedBroccoli, Brussels Sprouts orString Beans. Pair it with theAlmond Flour Browniesfor a fun meal that the entire family will enjoy.
How to add protein or veggies to Penne Alla Vodka
- Sauté 1-inch cubes of boneless chicken thighs along with the onions and follow the remaining recipe
- Sautéshrimp, peas or mushrooms in the Instant Pot as the first step in some oil with salt and pepper. Keep them aside and follow the rest of the recipe. Simply add the sauteeted shrimp or veggies on the pasta before serving
- Stir in few handful ofbaby spinach after the pressure cooking cycle completed
Here are some more family favorite Instant Pot Pasta recipes:
- Pasta Caprese
- Spicy Taco Pasta
- Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese
- Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce
- Spinach Mushroom Lasagna
Recipe
Tried this recipe? We love your feedback.Please click on the stars in the recipe card below
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4.56 from 81 votes
Instant Pot Penne Alla Vodka
Italian classic pasta dish made in a creamy tomato, garlic, vodka sauce
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Total Time20 minutes mins
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 6
Calories: 457kcal
Author: Archana Mundhe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta
- 28 oz marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- ½ cup vodka
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup parmigiano reggiano grated
- ¼ cup Parsley chopped
Instructions
Turn the Instant Pot to Saute mode and heat oil.
Add onions, garlic and red pepper flakes. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes with a glass lid on.
Add vodka, mix well and cook for another 2 minutes to reduce down the vodka.
Add pasta, water, and salt. Stir well, making sure to push most of the pasta under the liquids. Layer over the tomato puree or sauce and DO NOT mix. Close the Instant Pot and pressure cook for 4 minutes followed by Quick Release.
Stir in cream. Add parsley and grated cheese. Mix well and serve hot.
Video
Notes
- Liquids: Add enough water/broth/tomato sauce so that most of the pasta is under the liquids. Depending on the shape of the pasta you may need more or fewer liquids.
- Tomato Sauce: Layer the marinara sauce on top of the pasta and do not mix it in
- Pasta Cook Times: For a well-cooked pasta, pressure cook pasta for half the time on the pasta box. For Al dente pasta, pressure cook for half the time on the pasta box minus 1 minute. This method also works well for gluten-free brown rice pasta.
- Cream: Always add cream after the pasta is done pressure cooking
Nutrition
Calories: 457kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 1141mg | Potassium: 475mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1207IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 98mg | Iron: 3mg
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Author: Archana
Hey there! I am a techie turned recipe developer, cooking instructor, and food blogger. I love food and enjoy developing easy and healthy recipes for busy lifestyles. I live in New Jersey with my husband and two sons.
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Reader Interactions
Comments
Minakshi says
My nine year old and I made this recipe for dinner and the whole family loved it. It was so easy and delicious. Thank you for sharing.
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Jeannette says
This recipe was delicious even my kids who haven’t eaten pasta with sauce on it in years gobbled it down!! We will definitely be making this again
Reply
Shauna says
This recipe was easy to follow and made a ton! Perfect for leftovers 🙂 we served with scallops and our whole family (13 month old included) loved this dish!
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sarah says
so easy and so delicious!
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Niki says
I was in a bind as to what to make for dinner . I opened up Facebook and this recipe popped up. I had everything I needed . So delicious and easy to make . I put in less red pepper flakes. Family hit . Thank you for posting these great recipes
Reply
Aditi Chang says
This is so ridiculously easy and turns out so good every time. And since all you're chopping is an onion, the whole thing comes together really quickly.
Reply
Archana says
Thank you Aditi!
Reply
Seth says
Is there a way to add ground beef to this? If so, what else besides browning it has to be done?
Reply
Archana says
Yes! Just brown for a couple of minutes along with the onions.
Reply
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