I love this 1980s Italian-American classic. It’s creamy. It’s luxurious. It freezes perfectly well. And it comes together very quickly in the Instant Pot!
You might like to serve Penne alla Vodka with a side of homemade Garlic Bread, just as I did in my “Fireside Dinner with Kevin” video that was recently published on YouTube. Roasted Brussels sprouts are another great side for Penne alla Vodka.
Here’s the printable recipe, which I adapted from The Step-By-Step Instant Pot Cookbook by Jeffrey Eisner:
Penne Alla Vodka in the Instant Pot
A creamy and delicious main course that comes together very quickly.
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- 4 ounces pancetta or 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1 shallot or small onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 3 1/2 cups marinara sauce, divided
- 3 cups chicken broth or stock
- 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes and their juices
- 1 pound penne rigate
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
Instructions
- Put 2 tablespoons of the butter in the Instant Pot and press "Saute". Once the butter has melted, add the diced pancetta and saute for until the fat is rendered -- about 3 minutes.
- Add the shallot or onion and saute until soft and translucent -- about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for just 1 minute.
- Add the vodka and deglaze the pot while scraping up any stuck on bits.
- Add 1 1/2 cups of the marinara, plus the broth, tomatoes, and remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Mix well. The butter need not melt fully.
- Lay the pasta on top but do not stir. Simply spread it out with a spoon and then gently press most of it into the liquid.
- Secure the lid, move the valve to the "sealing" position, and press the "keep warm" button. Then press the "High Pressure" button, and set the timer for 6 minutes. Quick release when done.
- Stir in the remaining 2 cups of marinara, the oregano, heavy cream, Parmesan, and cream cheese, stirring until all has melded -- about 2 minutes. Serve with extra grated Parmesan cheese!
Pamela Given says
I used to get all Kevin’s emails and looked forward to it and have enjoyed his wit, stories, gardening tips and of course recipes. I stopped receiving them , signed up again and still no e mails. Please I miss you Kevin
Tammy says
This was a terrific recipe! And so easy too, thanks to the Instant Pot. I made it for dinner tonight and my husband and I both agreed this one’s a keeper. We’re vegetarian and so left out the bacon; the taste was terrific even without it. Thanks for this one, Kevin.
MaryB says
I miss the updates from this site. 🙁 Used to visit often, now not so much, there’s seldom anything new.
Alexius says
Great recipe. Have a nice day!
Kelly says
I just signed on because of the very informative African Violet information. Probably the best, and I have read 100’s! I didn’t know that Kevin posted recipes too so that makes it doubly valuable as I am also very fond of cooking, and pasta is one of my favourite foods. The Penne recipe sounds delicious and I’m really into Instant Pot recipes, having bought one recently.
Kelly
AdelinhaHi Mr. Fox. says
Hi Mr. Kevin, how are you?!
I’m Adela Cowan from Castleton, VA.
I had to stop one of your videos minutes ago because I am compelled to tell you about my growing love for your worthy person. Me and my husband appreciate to see you, your kindness, the way you report to Mr. Fox. Everything about you is unspeakable beauty. Do you know those kind people who have an aura offered by God? Is someone like you.
It wasn’t long ago that one of his videos appeared on my feeds. My husband and I started following your journey because of your unpretentious content, your class, your grandiosity is something,
the sincere way in which you talks about your life, makes us always want to see you as if you were a member of our family.
Class can only come from simple people. No matters how much or less they have.
I want you know, your candor often moves us to the point of bringing us to tears of pure joy.
It’s great to know that there are people like the Sir. in our era.
May God bless you with a very long, healthy life full of the love and kindness that the you spreads.
We sending to you and Mr. Fox, a very affectionate hug from us here in Virginia.
Merry Christmas and Happy New 2024 .
P.S.: I’m Brazilian, born in the Amazon. I have lived in the USA for 11 years, and so happy to lives in this country and learning a lot about people like you.
SANDERS MICHELE says
You inspired me to make the penne a la vodka! We’re vegan so I made modifications but WOW so delicious & comforting on this cold icy day in Chattanooga!
Also want to thank you for the easily convertible vegetarian recipes you’ve created. We’re in the process of trying them all so far we love each tried – the onion blue cheese galette, the chickpea brownies & now this one. Next will be the lentil loaf, the beet soup & the cabbage casserole.
Thank you Kevin, keep them coming ☺️