Meaty One-Pot Penne Alla Vodka

The Spruce
  • 45 mins
  • Prep: 10 mins,
  • Cook: 35 mins
  • Yield: Servings: 3-4
Ratings (78)

By The Spruce

Updated 09/20/17

Whether it’s date night, family night, or comfort-food-cause-I-wanna night, this one-pot pasta is the only recipe you need. Loaded with ground beef and crushed tomatoes, this easy dinner is creamy and rich, with just a little vodka kick. Top it off with fresh grated Parmesan cheese for a sharp, salty finish. 

What You'll Need

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion (chopped)
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 28-ounce can tomatoes (crushed)
  • 1/2 cup vodka
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cups cooked penne (or any pasta you like)
  • Garnish: Parmesan cheese

How to Make It

  1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat
  2. Add the onion and saute until cooked through
  3. Add beef, salt, and pepper, cooking until the beef is browned through
  4. Add crushed tomatoes, vodka, and chili flakes. Bring the heat up to high and let simmer, stirring until the sauce reduces by about half.
  5. Add the cream and mix thoroughly
  6. Add the pasta and stir as the sauce thickens and covers all the pasta. Top with fresh parmesan cheese.
    Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
    Calories 990
    Total Fat 33 g
    Saturated Fat 13 g
    Unsaturated Fat 13 g
    Cholesterol 135 mg
    Sodium 127 mg
    Carbohydrates 105 g
    Dietary Fiber 7 g
    Protein 51 g
    (The nutrition information on our recipes is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. Individual results may vary.)