Best Vodka Sauce Recipe

Simple, tangy pasta sauce with a bit of creaminess that’s ready in less than 30 minutes. This Easy Vodka Sauce is easy to make and better than many restaurant versions. A secret ingredient puts it over the top!

I’m not a fan of red sauce. I don’t know why, maybe it’s too acidic for me but I would rather have a heaping pile of spaghetti aglio e olio than pasta swimming in a pool of marinara.

Unless it’s my marinara sauce because it’s fabulous but even then I go light on the sauce making more of a blush sauce because I still add butter, olive oil and cheese.

I do love my bolognese sauce….but again, butter, olive oil and cheese….the rest of the family thinks I’m crazy. I am starting to agree with them as I write this post. But you know what…I LOVE Vodka Sauce, especially Pasta alla Vodka. Without butter, olive oil and cheese. I think it’s the fact that it’s made with simple ingredients and a bit creamy so it cuts the acidity and it has a flavor like no other…it’s not a simple marinara.

Ingredients

• Olive Oil – A drizzle of olive oil gets the process started with a mild, light flavor.
• Onion – A sweet onion or Vidalia onion adds a sweet, pepper flavor. A medium onion is all you need.
• Garlic – A must for all Italian sauces, fresh garlic cloves perfume the sauce with garlic-y flavor.
• Vodka – The vodka is the balance in the sauce tempering the acidity in the tomatoes and marrying it with the heavy cream.
• Sugar – Sugar is optional but provides a hint of sweetness that enhances the tomatoes.
• Worcestershire sauce – A splash adds depth and meaty umami flavor.
• Tomatoes – We use canned tomatoes but you can use peeled fresh tomatoes that are hand crushed for a chunkier texture. Be sure your tomatoes are high quality, we prefer San Marzano tomatoes.
• Dairy – Half and half is my go-to for a lighter sauce but heavy cream is great, too.

For the full ingredient list and instructions, see the recipe card at the bottom.

How To Make Vodka Sauce

This Vodka Spaghetti Sauce is quick and easy to make with minimal ingredients. You can make a spicy Vodka Sauce by stirring in a sprinkling of crushed red pepper flakes.

1. Heat the olive oil in a large dutch oven or large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the onions to the oil and cook until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one minute. (for richer flavor, add 1 tablespoon tomato paste after the garlic is fragrant.)
4. Add the oregano and the vodka scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release any brown bits. Cook until reduced by half.
5. Stir in the sugar, Worcestershire sauce, tomato puree and crushed tomatoes stirring until the mixture until well combined.
6. Add the half and half to the tomato mixture and stir to combine.
7. Season with the salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Turn the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
9. Serve over al dente pasta with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.

If you’re trying to cut back on dairy, you can make a Vegan Vodka Sauce by substituting the half and half with unsweetened Coconut Milk! It’s still ultra creamy and doesn’t taste like coconut at all. Or use your favorite dairy alternative. Oat Milk works well, too. 

When cooking pasta to serve with the best vodka sauce, reserve a cup of pasta water to add to the sauce. The starch in the water will help the sauce thicken up.

What is Vodka Sauce?

Creamy and light, Vodka Sauce is a popular Italian-American sauce recipe that’s the main ingredient in Penne alla Vodka and a tomato cream sauce.

It’s made with tomato sauce, vodka, Italian seasonings and cream. Its smooth, velvety texture clings to every pasta making each bite decadent and comforting.

Homemade Vodka Sauce made from scratch is quick and simple to make, too.

What to Serve With Vodka Sauce

While we love tossing our sauce with cooked pasta like linguine or angel hair, it’s perfect for making classic Penne alla Vodka! A classic Italian dish. But we love it also in this Rigatoni with Chicken or to top our favorite pizza crust.

This Easy Vodka Sauce is the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, creamy and slightly salty. It’s made in less than 30 minutes so it’s great for easy weeknight dinners when you’re craving a slow cooked comfort food…without having to slow cook for hours on end. This recipe makes enough sauce for more than a pound of pasta.

It’s simply fabulous and perfect in every way. And don’t worry, this version is light on the cream…since I used Half and Half to keep the calories in check.

How to Store Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

You can also freeze vodka sauce in an airtight, freezer safe container for up to 3 months.

More Easy Pasta Sauce Recipes

• The Best Basil Pesto
• Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
• The Very Best Bolognese Sauce
• Homemade Alfredo Sauce
• Italian Meat Sauce

Don’t miss a recipe! Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more family recipe inspiration!