A La Vodka Vegan Recipe Easy and Delicious Meals

Indulging in a creamy, comforting pasta dish doesn’t have to mean compromising your vegan lifestyle. This Vegan Penne alla Vodka recipe offers all the classic flavors of the beloved Italian-American favorite—rich tomato sauce, a hint of vodka’s warmth, and a luscious creamy texture—without any animal products.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is approachable, packed with flavor, and entirely plant-based. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply curious about plant-powered meals, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Using wholesome ingredients like cashews for creaminess and a splash of vodka to elevate the tomato sauce, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies or spices.

So grab your apron, and let’s dive into making a deliciously creamy Vegan Penne alla Vodka that will impress even non-vegans at your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan alla vodka pasta is a shining example of how plant-based cooking can be both decadent and nutritious. It captures the essence of the traditional creamy vodka sauce by cleverly substituting dairy with soaked cashews, which blend into a silky, rich sauce that clings beautifully to al dente penne.

The sauce’s subtle kick of vodka helps release the sweet and tangy flavors of the crushed tomatoes, while garlic and onion provide depth and aroma. The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free pasta, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.

It’s quick to prepare, perfect for busy evenings, yet impressive enough for dinner guests.

Additionally, this recipe is versatile—you can add mushrooms, spinach, or vegan sausage for extra heartiness. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a comforting pasta meal that’s mindful of your health and the planet.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta (use gluten-free if preferred)
• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 1 hour
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 cup vodka
• 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups water (or vegetable broth for extra flavor)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Vegan Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast (optional, for serving)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Medium saucepan or skillet
• Blender or food processor
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander for draining pasta

Instructions

1. Prepare the cashew cream: Drain the soaked cashews and place them in a blender with 1 cup of water or vegetable broth. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Set aside.
2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
3. Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
4. Deglaze with vodka: Pour in the vodka and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and flavors to meld.
5. Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Incorporate cashew cream: Slowly whisk in the cashew cream, blending it fully into the tomato sauce. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and turns creamy.
7. Taste and adjust: Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. If the sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
8. Toss pasta in sauce: Add the drained penne to the sauce and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Heat through for a minute or two.
9. Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast if desired.

Tips & Variations

“Soaking cashews overnight yields an even creamier sauce, but if you’re short on time, soaking in hot water for an hour works well too.”

• Add vegetables: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, or roasted red peppers for added texture and nutrition.
• Use coconut milk: For a slightly different creaminess, substitute the cashew cream with full-fat coconut milk, though it will impart a subtle coconut flavor.
• Spice it up: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
• Make it oil-free: Replace olive oil with vegetable broth to sauté the onions and garlic for a lighter version.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This creamy vegan alla vodka pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. Roasted garlic bread or a warm baguette are perfect for mopping up the luscious sauce.

For an added burst of freshness, serve with a side of steamed or roasted asparagus, or try Blackstone Asparagus Recipe for a delicious complement.

If you want to create a full-course vegan Italian dinner, consider starting with a light appetizer such as the Ww Appetizer Recipes collection, followed by this rich pasta dish, and finish with a refreshing dessert like a fruit sorbet or a vegan cake.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or simply craving a comforting homemade meal, this vegan penne alla vodka recipe delivers on all fronts. The creamy, flavorful sauce made from cashews and tomatoes, elevated by the subtle warmth of vodka, creates a beautifully balanced dish that satisfies both vegan and non-vegan palates alike.

It’s an excellent example of how plant-based cooking can be indulgent, wholesome, and easy to prepare with everyday ingredients.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with the recipe by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the spice level to your liking. And if you enjoyed this recipe, you might also appreciate other creative dishes such as the Breakfast Wellington Recipe or the hearty Bread And Gravy Recipe.

Cooking vegan never tasted so good!

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