Creamy Dreamy: Instant Pot Penne Alla Vodka – Effortless Comfort Food!

Penne alla vodka. The name alone evokes images of creamy, tomatoey bliss, a dish that’s both comforting and a little bit fancy. But did you know you could achieve this classic pasta perfection in your Instant Pot, with minimal effort and maximum flavor? That’s right! Say goodbye to hovering over the stove and hello to this incredibly easy and delicious Instant Pot Penne Alla Vodka recipe.

This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you crave a hearty, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The Instant Pot locks in all the flavors, creating a rich, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to every piece of penne. Plus, cleanup is a breeze! So, ditch the takeout menu and get ready to impress your family and friends with this foolproof recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Penne Alla Vodka

• Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Minimal Effort: The Instant Pot does most of the work, freeing you up to do other things.
• One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash! Everything cooks together in the Instant Pot.
• Incredibly Flavorful: The Instant Pot intensifies the flavors, resulting in a rich, creamy sauce.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by adding more vegetables, protein, or spice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

• Penne Pasta: 1 pound of your favorite penne pasta (regular or gluten-free).
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons.
• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced.
• Tomato Paste: 6 ounces (one small can).
• Crushed Tomatoes: 28 ounces (one large can).
• Vodka: 1/2 cup (don’t worry, the alcohol cooks off!).
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup.
• Chicken Broth (or Vegetable Broth): 4 cups.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon.
• Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (or more, to taste).
• Salt: To taste.
• Black Pepper: To taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated, for serving.
• Fresh Basil: Chopped, for garnish (optional).

Equipment You’ll Need

• Instant Pot: A 6-quart or 8-quart Instant Pot will work perfectly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons.
• Cutting Board and Knife.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Instant Pot Penne Alla Vodka

Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to create your own creamy, dreamy Instant Pot Penne Alla Vodka:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Turn on your Instant Pot and select the ‘Sauté’ function. Adjust the setting to ‘Normal’ or ‘Medium’ heat.
2. Add the olive oil to the Instant Pot.
3. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

1. Add the tomato paste to the Instant Pot and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This helps to caramelize the tomato paste and deepen its flavor.
2. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine.
3. Carefully pour in the vodka. The alcohol will deglaze the pot, lifting any browned bits from the bottom and adding flavor. Let the vodka simmer for about 1 minute to allow some of the alcohol to evaporate.
4. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Broth

1. Add the penne pasta to the Instant Pot, spreading it evenly over the sauce.
2. Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth), making sure the pasta is completely submerged. If necessary, add a little more broth.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

1. Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure the valve is set to ‘Sealing’.
2. Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ function and set the cooking time to 4 minutes.
3. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure. Be patient!

Step 5: Quick Release and Stir

1. Once the cooking time is up, carefully perform a Quick Release by turning the valve to the ‘Venting’ position. Be cautious as steam will be released rapidly. Use a towel or oven mitt to protect your hand.
2. Once all the pressure has been released and the pin has dropped, carefully open the Instant Pot lid.
3. Stir the pasta well. The sauce will appear watery at first, but it will thicken as it cools.

Step 6: Add the Cream and Cheese

1. Stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
2. Stir in about half of the grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the sauce, adding richness and flavor.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve the Instant Pot Penne Alla Vodka immediately, garnished with the remaining Parmesan cheese and fresh basil (if using).
2. Enjoy your delicious and effortless meal!

Tips and Variations for Perfect Penne Alla Vodka

Want to customize your Instant Pot Penne Alla Vodka? Here are some tips and variations to try:

• Adjust the Spice Level: Add more or less red pepper flakes to control the heat of the dish. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Add Vegetables: Sauté diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the onion and garlic for added nutrients and flavor. Spinach can also be stirred in at the end.
• Add Protein: Cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or shrimp can be added to the dish for a more substantial meal. Add cooked protein at the end, along with the cream and cheese.
• Make it Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit any meat.
• Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in some oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
• Use Different Pasta Shapes: While penne is the classic choice, you can also use other pasta shapes like rigatoni, ziti, or rotini. Adjust the cooking time slightly if necessary.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free option. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
• Don’t Skip the Vodka: While you can technically omit the vodka, it really does add a distinct flavor to the sauce. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a subtle sweetness and complexity.
• Prevent Sticking: Make sure the pasta is completely submerged in broth to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the Instant Pot.
• Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can simmer it on the ‘Sauté’ function for a few minutes to allow it to reduce. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning.
• Reheating Leftovers: Leftover Penne Alla Vodka can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to prevent it from drying out.

Troubleshooting Tips

Even with a simple recipe, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

• Pasta is Undercooked: If the pasta is still too firm after the cooking time, add a minute or two to the pressure cooking time. Remember that different brands of pasta may cook differently.
• Pasta is Overcooked: If the pasta is mushy, reduce the cooking time by a minute or two next time.
• Burn Notice: If you get a ‘Burn’ notice on your Instant Pot, it means that food is sticking to the bottom and burning. This can happen if there isn’t enough liquid in the pot or if the pot is not properly deglazed. Stop the cooking process, release the pressure, and carefully remove the pasta. Clean the bottom of the Instant Pot and add more broth before continuing.
• Sauce is Too Thick: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more broth or water to thin it out.
• Sauce is Too Thin: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it on the ‘Sauté’ function for a few minutes to allow it to reduce. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

Instant Pot Penne Alla Vodka is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of crusty garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing accompaniment to the rich pasta dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are a healthy and flavorful side dish.
• Meatballs or Sausage: Add meatballs or Italian sausage to the pasta for a heartier meal.
• Chicken Parmesan: Serve with a side of chicken parmesan for a classic Italian feast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use whole wheat pasta? Yes, you can use whole wheat pasta, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Start with the recommended cooking time and add a minute or two if necessary.
• Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes? Yes, you can use canned diced tomatoes, but the sauce will be a little chunkier. You can also blend the diced tomatoes before adding them to the Instant Pot for a smoother sauce.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. The sauce may thicken as it sits, so you may need to add a little more broth or water when reheating.
• Can I freeze this recipe? While you can freeze Penne Alla Vodka, the texture of the pasta may change slightly. The sauce may also separate upon thawing. If you do freeze it, make sure to store it in an airtight container and thaw it completely before reheating.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free penne pasta.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Penne Alla Vodka is a simple, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that everyone will love. So, fire up your Instant Pot and get ready to enjoy this creamy, tomatoey, and utterly irresistible pasta dish! Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us on social media – we can’t wait to see your culinary masterpieces!