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    Home » Recipes » Instant Pot

    Instant Pot Penne alla Vodka

    Published: Jul 9, 2020 · Modified: Mar 3, 2023 by Maria Doss · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    This Instant Pot Penne alla Vodka is easy, creamy and ready in under 30 minutes. Toss in some cubed chicken or shrimp along with pasta for added protein or fresh spinach to keep it vegetarian. One of the best instant pot penne pasta recipes ever!

    It has been been way too long since we shared an instant pot pasta recipe.

    What's not to love about pasta in instant pot? The pasta along with everything else is cooked together in one pot. Easiest clean up, no dealing with a big pot of boiling water and perfect as family friendly vegetarian meal! If you are looking for stove top version, then here is a chicken alla vodka recipe.

    Today, it is Penne alla Vodka in Instant Pot aka Penne with Vodka Sauce

    What is Penne ala Vodka?

    It is an Italian American pasta dish made with cooked penne pasta tossed in a creamy tomato based vodka infused sauce. It is believed to originate in Italy in the 1970s, in an effort by vodka manufacturers to promote their product. But has gained more popularity in American restaurants.

    If you want to know more on the role of vodka in the sauce, I like this article on serious eats. It adds a touch of sharpness and balances out the creaminess in the dish.

    Instant Pot Penne alla Vodka is:

    • One pot, Instant pot
    • Easy clean up
    • Family friendly (Yes, more on this below)
    • Use jarred marinara sauce
    • Vegetarian
    • Customize with your favorite protein
    • Creamy
    • Delicious

    How am I certain that you guys are gonna love this pasta with vodka cream sauce ? This recipe is just a slight variation to this very popular Shrimp Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce . There is something about tomato-cream sauces that is so comforting, like this Spicy Chicken Pasta Indian Style, chicken and mushroom Sauce for Pasta or Spicy chicken pasta Italian style.

    Main ingredients:

    Penne pasta - Ain't penne all vodka without penne pasta

    Marinara sauce - I used Prego (tomato, basil and garlic)

    Heavy cream -

    Vodka - Plain vodka

    Flavorings & Aromatics - Onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper

    How to make pasta with vodka sauce in instant pot?

    Turn instant pot to saute, add butter when hot and let butter melt. Saute chopped onion and garlic until begins to get translucent. Press cancel and add marinara sauce, heavy cream, vodka, water and seasonings. Give a good stir. Place penne on top and gently press the pasta into the liquid (DO NOT STIR).

    Cook for 5 minutes on manual and 5 minutes on warm. Stir in parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Let stand for a few minutes for the sauce to thicken.

    Expert tips:

    Use good quality ingredients

    Sauce – As soon as you release pressure, the tomato cream sauce might be thin. It will thicken as it cools. This happens since the pasta is cooked along with the sauce. Let the pasta cool for a few minutes for sauce to thicken before serving. If sauce has thickened too much for your liking, then just toss few tablespoons of hot water to thin it down.

    Pasta – The pasta cooks a touch tender in the recipe. If you like the pasta al dente, then release pressure as soon as the cook time is done.

    Parmesan Cheese - Use freshly grated parmesan cheese or the pre grated ones. Please stay away for the the green jar.

    Type of vodka - Since you are not going to taste the vodka, I do not recommend investing in an expensive bottle. Use any leftover vodka at home or any cheap bottle will do the trick.

    Variations:

    Penne with vodka sauce and chicken - Add ¾ pound diced (boneless, skinless) chicken breast/ thighs after cooking the onion and garlic for two minutes. Cook for about 1 minute per side and then proceed with the remaining recipe.

    Instant Pot Penne alla vodka with shrimp - Add raw shrimp (thawed and patted dry) on top of penne and continue the process as instructed. I like to use shrimp with tails on, since the tails adds more flavor to the pasta. But, you could totally use tailless shrimp, if that is what you have on hand.

    Penne alla vodka with spinach - Add chopped fresh spinach along parmesan and basil, and gently stir to wilt the psinach.

    Vodka sauce without vodka - If you are worried about feeding this dish to your kids, then simply skip vodka and replace with water.

    Frequently asked questions:

    What type of pasta goes with vodka sauce?

    As the name suggests, penne is the go-to pasta, but similar pasta of similar size like ziti, bow tie or fusilli can be substituted.

    Does vodka sauce have vodka in it?

    Yes, thats how it gets its name. it adds a unique flavor to the dish but it cooks long enough that the alcohol is cooked off and it gets safe to consume.

    What flavor does vodka offer to the vodka sauce?

    Since most of the alcohol is cooked off in the process, you are just left with vibrant tomato flavor instead.

    What is the difference between pink sauce and vodka sauce?

    Pink sauce refers to any sauce that is pinkish in color. It is usually a blend of marinara and alfrredo sauce and sometimes known as parma rosa sauce. Also, pink sauce can refer to fry sauce (made with mayonnaise and ketchup) the is usually served as a burger spread.
    So, Pink sauce does not contain any vodka and is not the same as vodka sauce.

    Is vodka sauce healthy?

    NO! This recipe has butter and a cup of heavy cream and does not come anywhere close to healthy. However, here is a Healthier Instant pot pasta with tomato cream sauce that caters to your needs.

    Does penne alla vodka make you drunk?

    This instant pot penne pasta recipe uses only ¼ cup of vodka and as discussed above, most of the alcohol is cooked off. So, it does not make you drunk:)

    Can kids eat vodka sauce?

    There is just ¼ cup vodka in the entire pasta with vodka cream sauce and most of the alcohol is cooked off. So, it is SAFE for older children to enjoy this dish. However, you could replace the vodka with water to make 100% safe.

    Can I taste the alcohol?

    No, you will not be able to taste the Vodka in the finished pasta dish. It just adds subtle notes to the recipe.

    Serving suggestions:

    This pasta is delicious on it own or can be served with garlic bread, salad, Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms, Parmesan Bread Bites, Baked Chicken Meatballs, Soft Garlic Knots or Avocado Dinner Rolls.

    To freeze: Cook and cool pasta, transfer into a freezer safe container, seal tight and freeze for up to a month. Simply thaw at room temperature and warm in microwave to re heat.

    More Instant pot pasta recipes:

    Chicken Parmesan Pasta

    Meatless Baked Ziti in Instant Pot

    Instant Pot Pasta with Chicken Meat Sauce

    5 Ingredient Pasta with Pesto Cream Sauce

    Instant Pot Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

    Spaghetti Aglio e Olio in instant pot

    or more Pasta recipes here

    Instant Pot Penne alla Vodka

    This Instant Pot Penne alla Vodka is easy, creamy and ready in under 30 minutes. Toss in some cubed chicken or shrimp along with pasta for added protein. One of the best instant pot penne pasta recipes ever!
    4.8 from 11 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Instant Pot
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes
    Servings: 3 Servings
    Calories: 612kcal
    Author: Maria Doss

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • ½ cup chopped onion
    • 2 cloves garlic chopped
    • 2 or 3 pinches red pepper flakes optional
    • 1 and ½ cups marinara sauce I used Prego (tomato, basil and garlic)
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • ¼ cup Vodka
    • ½ cup Water
    • ¾ teaspoon salt or to taste refer notes
    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 8 ounces penne pasta

    Additional Ingredients

    • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
    • Fresh basil leaves chopped
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Heat instant pot (refer notes for the size) to saute mode. When hot, add butter and let melt. Stir in chopped onion, garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook, stirring occasionally for about 2 minutes, until onions begin to get translucent.
    • Press cancel and add marinara sauce, heavy cream, vodka, water, salt, pepper and stir well. Add penne pasta on top (DO NOT STIR), gently pressing it, so that most of the pasta is immersed into the sauce (AGAIN, DO NOT STIR).
    • Cook on manual for 5 minutes. Let it be in warm mode for additional 5 minutes. When 5 minutes is done, release pressure by turning valve to vent. Open lid and stir in chopped basil. (To cook al dente pasta, release pressure as soon as the cook time is done)
    • The sauce might be slightly thin at this point. If you prefer saucy pasta, serve after 2 minutes. Otherwise, let pasta cool for a few more minutes (without the lid) and the sauce will continue to thicken. If sauce has thickened too much for your liking, then just toss few tablespoons of hot water to thin it down.

    Notes

    Marinara sauce – Use your favorite brand. I have always loved Prego, tomato basil and garlic (this is not a sponsored post) and use only that sauce for all my recipes and the flavor is A-H-M-A-Z-I-N-G!
    Salt - Salt will depend on the type of marinara sauce used and your taste. I used Prego, tomato basil & garlic and found ¾ teaspoon salt to be perfect. 
    Size - I used a 3-quart instant pot for this recipe.
    Vodka - If you wish to skip vodka, then simply use a total of ¾ cup water.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 Serving | Calories: 612kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 125mg | Sodium: 1108mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g

    Nutritional information is based on third party calculations, should be considered estimates and not be construed as a guarantee. Varying factors such as product types, brands purchased, produce, the way ingredients are processed and more change the nutritional information in any recipe.

    Did you make this recipe?Mention @KitchenAtHoskins or tag #kitchenathoskins!

    Some of the links above are affiliate links, which pay me a small commission for my referral at no extra cost to you! I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Thank you for supporting kitchenathoskins.com

    All contents and images are my original work, unless and otherwise mentioned. Please do not use my recipes or images without linking back to www.kitchenathoskins.com. If you wish to republish a recipe, please rewrite in your own words and don’t forget to include a link back to the original recipe.

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    Maria Doss
    Maria Doss

    I am Maria Doss, the recipe creator, photographer and writer behind Kitchen at Hoskins. Here you'll find lots of creative recipes that use clever techniques or flavor profiles. It might intertwine two cuisines together to create a perfect blend or use an innovative technique.
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