Penne Vodka Sauce is one of those decadent dishes that you always order out because it is so rich and lush. However, it is super easy to make at home in your Instant Pot, with less than 30 minutes to perfection.
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This Penne Vodka Sauce recipe allows you to make this amazing pasta dish so quickly but without missing any of the flavor. The pressure cooker allows all the ingredients to meld together in such a quick way, you will think it slow cooked all day long.
Want even more great Instant Pot Recipes to add to your collection, check these out.
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What makes this recipe great? You get so much flavor from the sausage, spices and tomatoes. This is a recipe that never disappoints. Who invented this dish, one would think Italy, however most believe it is an American invention, see more here.
- 30 Minute Meal: Quick, easy and so amazing, you won’t be disappointed,
- Easy Ingredients: All easy ingredients.
- Family Friendly: This dish is a real crowd pleaser.
- Adaptable: Can make it meat free, dairy free, etc…
What You Need to Make Vodka Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- mild Italian sausage
- garlic
- crushed red pepper
- crushed tomatoes
- chicken broth
- vodka
- mini penne pasta
- heavy cream
- All Purpose House Seasoning Blend
Equipment
How to Make Homemade Vodka Sauce- Step by Step
- Sausage: First, set instant pot to sauté and add in the sausage and then chop sausage into bite size pieces while browning.
- Garlic: Second, once sausage is browned, toss in the garlic and cook for 3 minutes. Then add the spices, tomatoes, broth, vodka and pasta. Cook on high for 5 minutes.
- Cream: Finally, manually release the pressure valve, remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream.
Common Questions About Making Penne Vodka Sauce
The vodka acts as a contrast to all the heavy and sweet flavors of the tomatoes and cream. It adds a little bite.
No, the alcohol burns off for the most part, what you are left with is just the flavor of the vodka.
If you are out of Vodka, try Gin, it has a neutral flavor that will pair well or even wine will work.Alternatively, fresh lemon juice and water are a good replacement for the vodka.
Indeed, this recipe can be frozen for a make ahead meal. It is important to let thaw in the refrigerator first. It may change the texture slightly but it will be fine.
A great salad and some good bread pair well. For Example:
>Air Fryer Garlic Breadsticks
>No Knead Easy Dinner Rolls
>Easy Caesar Salad
Expert Tips for Making Penne Vodka Sauce
- Doubled: Great recipe for a crowd. Simply increase the ingredients proportionately and cook as directed.
- Add Peas: Stir in some frozen peas at the end to enhance the flavor.
- Cheese: Top off your penne in vodka sauce with some Parmesan or other italian cheese.
- Variation tip: Feel free to add chicken or do a meatless version, the flavor will still be amazing.
- Good tomatoes: For the best flavor use a great crushed tomato, such as San Marzano tomatoes.
- Alternate cooking method tip: Dairy intolerant or vegan. Use a nut milk and liquid aminos.
- Dietary consideration tip: Gluten free pasta or protein pasta work great in this recipe.
Instant Pot Penne Vodka Sauce
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Ingredients
- 5 links mild Italian sausage, casings removed
- 4 tablespoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper, optional
- 1 crushed tomatoes, 28-oz can
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup vodka
- 1 mini penne pasta, 16-oz box
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon House Seasoning Blend
Instructions
- Set instant pot to sauté and toss in the sausage. Chop sausage into bite size pieces while browning.
- Once sausage is browned, toss in the garlic and cook for 3 minutes.
- Add the spices, tomatoes, broth, vodka and pasta. Close the lid and pressure valve and pressure cook on high for 5 minutes.
- Manually release the pressure valve, remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream.
Christina’s Notes
- Doubled: Great recipe for a crowd. Simply increase the ingredients proportionately and cook as directed.
- Add Peas: Stir in some frozen peas at the end to enhance the flavor.
- Cheese: Top off your penne in vodka sauce with some Parmesan or other italian cheese.
- Variation tip: Feel free to add chicken or do a meatless version, the flavor will still be amazing.
- Good tomatoes: For the best flavor use a great crushed tomato, such as San Marzano tomatoes.
- Alternate cooking method tip: Dairy intolerant or vegan. Use a nut milk and liquid aminos.
- Dietary consideration tip: Gluten free pasta or protein pasta work great in this recipe.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided are estimates. It is recommended that you verify this information with your own trusted resource.
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This recipe is my personal adaption of an ethnic inspired recipe. It is not intended to be an authentic recipe. I’ve recreated this recipe because I enjoy the flavors and I want to encourage my readers to expand their tastes and try new flavor combinations. The recipe, ingredients and processes may have been adapted to make the recipe accessible for the average American. I have provided links to authentic versions of the recipe in the post above. I encourage you to visit these pages and learn more about the traditional version(s) of this recipe.
Great recipe. I’ve always loved vodka sauce but never made it at home before. I love how simple it is.
Great recipe. I’ve always loved vodka sauce but never made it at home before. I love how simple it is.
Sounds silly but I always wondered why they called it vodka sauce. Now I know! This was the first time I ever had homemade vodka sauce and it was so good.