Instant Pot penne alla vodka is the easiest way to make penne alla vodka! This simple, one-pot recipe makes the classic pasta dish in less than 20 minutes.
This Instant Pot penne alla vodka recipe is a simple way to make the classic pasta dish in no time. This recipe is made entirely in the Instant Pot, so it’s easy to cook and easy to clean up.
It’s also really quick to make! The entire recipe – start to finish – is ready in less than 20 minutes. So, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or nights when just need a quick and tasty dinner with minimal prep.
Ingredient notes and substitutions
- Butter: I use salted butter, but unsalted butter will also work.
- Garlic: You could also mince the garlic if you prefer.
- Chili flakes: Feel free to omit or use more depending on your tastes.
- Penne pasta: Or another similar shaped pasta.
- Cream: Feel free to adjust the amount of cream to your liking. If you use half-and-half, it will give you a thinner sauce.
How to make Instant Pot penne alla vodka
Here you’ll find step-by-step photos showing how to make this recipe. The full recipe is given below.
Step 1: Press sauté.
Step 2: When the Instant Pot reads “hot”, add the butter.
Step 3: Once the butter has melted, add the garlic, and cook for 30 seconds, stirring the entire time. Be careful that the garlic doesn’t burn.
Step 4: Stir in the tomato paste and cook, stirring the entire time, until it begins to brown, about 1 minute.
Step 5: Add vodka and cook for 1 minute to boil off some of the alcohol.
Step 6: Press cancel.
Step 7: Layer in the penne, red chili flakes, 2½ cups cool water, salt and pepper, and crushed tomatoes. Do not stir.
Step 8: Close and lock on the lid. Press manual high pressure, and adjust the cooking time to 3 minutes. Make sure the pressure release valve is set to the “Sealing” position.
Step 9: When the cooking time has finished, carefully turn the pressure release valve to “venting” to quickly release the pressure.
Step 10: Remove the lid and give it a good stir.
Step 11: Add the cream and stir to combine. Let the pasta stand in the pot, uncovered, for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the sauce to thicken.
Step 12: Stir the cheese and season with additional salt and black pepper if desired.
Step 13: Serve sprinkled with additional cheese and basil.
Storage
Store any leftover penne alla vodka in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta will keep for up to 4 days when properly stored.
Instant Pot Penne alla Vodka
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¼ cup vodka
- 12 ounces uncooked penne pasta
- Pinch red chili flakes optional
- Salt and pepper
- 2 ½ cups cool water
- 14.5 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese plus more for sprinkling
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves cut into chiffonade
Instructions
- Press sauté.
- When the Instant Pot reads “hot”, add the butter.
- Once the butter has melted, add the garlic, and cook for 30 seconds, stirring the entire time. Be careful that the garlic doesn’t overbrown.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook, stirring the entire time, until it begins to brown, about 1 minute.
- Add vodka and cook for 1 minute to boil off some of the alcohol.
- Press cancel.
- Layer in the penne, red chili flakes, if using, 2½ cups cool water, salt and pepper, and crushed tomatoes. Do not stir.
- Close and lock on the lid.
- Press manual high pressure, and adjust the cooking time to 3 minutes. Make sure the pressure release valve is set to the “Sealing” position.
- When the cooking time has finished, carefully turn the pressure release valve to “venting” to quickly release the pressure.
- Remove the lid and give it a good stir.
- Add the cream and stir to combine.
- Let the pasta stand in the pot, uncovered, for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the sauce to thicken.
- Stir the cheese, and season with additional salt and black pepper, if desired.
- Serve sprinkled with additional cheese and basil.
Notes
- Butter: I use salted butter, but unsalted butter will also work.
- Garlic: You could also mince the garlic if you prefer.
- Chili flakes: Feel free to omit or use more depending on your tastes.
- Penne pasta: Or another similar shaped pasta.
- Cream: Feel free to adjust the amount of cream to your liking. If you use half-and-half, it will give you a thinner sauce.
- Nutrition values are estimates.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
Sharing this recipe with a link is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying/pasting and/or screenshots of full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Content and photographs are copyright protected.
Did You Make This?
Don’t forget to leave a rating below below and make sure to follow on Pinterest and Instagram for more!
