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Quick & Easy Vodka Sauce

By Carolyn Stilwell

5 from 2 votes

Updated Aug 31, 2025, Published on May 24, 2023

Among the infinite pasta sauces out there, my FAVORITE is vodka sauce. Vodka sauce is the perfect mix of salty, sweet, creamy, and a little spicy. While I make many versions of this sauce, I'm excited to share with you my quick and easy recipe that's ready in 20 minutes.

With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you'll have a mouthwatering vodka sauce ready to serve with your favorite shape of pasta or on a meatball sandwich perhaps?

Vodka Sauce Ingredients

See the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients with exact quantities.

The star ingredients include olive oil, garlic, tomato paste, vodka, crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and a hint of sweetness from granulated sugar. If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to sprinkle in some red pepper flakes to add a subtle kick. To serve, you can opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese and some fresh basil.

• Olive Oil
• Garlic
• Red Pepper Flakes
• Tomato Paste
• Vodka
• Salt & Pepper 
• Crushed Tomatoes: I used a can of fire-roasted crushed tomatoes to add great extra flavor! Feel free to add some additional seasoning if you decide to use plain crushed tomatoes.
• Granulated Sugar
• Heavy Cream
• Basil and Parmesan Cheese

Recipe Instructions

See the recipe card below for the full list of instructions.

1. Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a high-rimmed pan or sauce pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about two minutes, to release that delicious flavor.
2. Now it's time to add the tomato paste to the pan. Mix it well with the garlic, allowing it to darken in color for approximately 4-5 minutes. This step of caramelizing the tomato paste adds so much depth of flavor.
3. Pour in the vodka, and let it work its magic by deglazing the pan. With a wooden spoon, gently scrape any flavorful bits that might be stuck to the bottom. Allow the liquid to cook off for a couple of minutes. Feel free to use a splash of water or broth if you prefer to cook without alcoho.
4. Add the can of crushed tomatoes, followed by a pinch of sugar, salt, and pepper to enhance the taste. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Once the sauce reaches a harmonious balance, turn off the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce achieves a velvety consistency.
5. Finally the best part: serving the vodka sauce! Serve with pasta and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Did you try this Quick and Easy Vodka Sauce recipe? Leave a Review!

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! If you enjoyed it, please consider leaving a rating and review. And don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or TikTok so I can see your creations!

5 from 2 votes

Quick & Easy Vodka Sauce

By: Carolyn Stilwell

Vodka sauce is my favorite pasta sauce. I make multiple versions, but this one is extra simple and ready in 20 minutes total!

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 15 minutes mins

Total: 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 cups

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Equipment

• Pan
• Chef Knife
• Cutting Board
• Wooden Spoon

Ingredients 

1x2x3x

• ▢ 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• ▢ 5 cloves Garlic, minced
• ▢ ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes, optional; more or less based on spice preference
• ▢ 6 ounces Tomato Paste
• ▢ ⅓ cup Vodka
• ▢ Kosher Salt & Black Pepper, to taste
• ▢ 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes, I used 1 can of fire-roasted tomatoes
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon Granulated Sugar
• ▢ 1 cup Heavy Cream

US Customary - Metric

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Instructions 

• Heat the olive oil in a high-rimmed pan or sauce pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often.
• Add red pepper flakes if desired then mix in the tomato paste. Let the tomato paste darken in color for about 4-5 minutes.
• Pour in the vodka to deglaze the pan. Scrape any stuck bits off the bottom with a wooden spoon. Let the liquid cook off for a couple minutes.
• Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes then add the sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes. Turn off the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until completely combined.
• Serving Suggestions: 1 pound of pasta, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and fresh basil.

Video

@carolbeecooks

Vodka sauce is my favorite pasta sauce. I have several ways of making it but this version is quick and easy but still sooo flavorful. I used this sauce with my meatball recipe @Carolyn | Easy Recipes #vodkasauce #tomatosauce #pastasauce #easyrecipe

♬ original sound - Carolyn | Easy Recipes

Notes

• Serving Suggestions: Pair this vodka sauce with pasta, Parmesan cheese, fresh basil and my Italian-Style meatball recipe!

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcal, Carbohydrates: 26g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 26g, Saturated Fat: 14g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Cholesterol: 67mg, Sodium: 619mg, Potassium: 1089mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 16g, Vitamin A: 2024IU, Vitamin C: 29mg, Calcium: 130mg, Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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