SHORT PENNE WITH CREAMY VODKA SAUCE

A Retro Classic That Still Steals the Show

There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about short penne in creamy vodka sauce—a dish that brings back the bold, carefree flavors of the 1980s Italian restaurant scene. Rich, velvety, and with just the right hint of smokiness from the bacon, this pasta has stood the test of time, winning hearts from pasta lovers across generations.

Once a staple of candlelit trattorias and festive family dinners, this dish is now enjoying a revival as a retro comfort food. The balance between acidity from the tomatoes and the silkiness of cream makes it feel indulgent, yet familiar. It’s the perfect pasta for a Friday night in, served with good company, maybe even some 80s tunes in the background.

Its versatility also makes it nonna-approved—easy to make, loved by kids, and full of that unmistakable Italian warmth. You can plate it elegantly for guests or enjoy it right out of the pot for that cozy, satisfying experience.

This dish is undeniably rich, thanks to the combination of cream, tomato, and bacon, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be part of a balanced meal. Use high-quality ingredients and serve with pasta like penne rigate, which holds sauce beautifully, making it satisfying in smaller portions.

When prepared with moderation in mind, it becomes a well-rounded indulgence that satisfies both the stomach and the soul—bringing comfort without excess. And yes, the vodka helps emulsify the sauce, creating that creamy consistency we all love.

A little history

Despite its fame, ‘penne alla vodka’ has a somewhat mysterious origin. Some trace it back to Rome in the late 1970s, while others say it was born in a New York Italian-American restaurant. What’s certain is that it gained popularity in Italy and abroad during the 1980s, becoming a symbol of culinary flair and decadence.

In Italy, particularly in Rome and Milan, it found a place in trendy restaurants that blended traditional flavors with modern twists. The addition of vodka may have been novel, but the base—tomato, cream, and pancetta—has deep Italian roots.

Over time, penne alla vodka became an icon of Italian retro cuisine, often prepared for special occasions or lively dinners. Today, it brings a wave of nostalgia and comfort with every creamy, tomato-kissed bite.

For more deliciously creamy pasta recipes try our Ravioli with Fava Beans and Speck, Pasta & Potatoes and Overloaded Pasta [hyperlink]

The ingredients

• 160g | 5.6oz short penne pasta

• 180g | 6.3oz pancetta or smoked bacon

• 400g | 14.1oz tomato passata

• 200g | 7.1oz double cream

• 120ml | 4.22fl oz vodka

• 1 large onion

• Parmigiano cheese to taste

• Fresh parsley for decoration

• Fine and coarse sea salt

• Extra virgin olive oil 

The recipe step by step

1. Chop the onion finely and cut the pancetta or smoked bacon into lardons

2. Pour into a pan a generous glug of extra virgin olive oil and gently sizzle the onion for about 3 or 4 minutes, on low heat

3. Add the lardons in the pan and sizzle until golden brown

4. Kill the heat and pour the vodka in the pan, stir, and turn the heat back on to let It evaporate slowly

5. Stir the tomato passata in, season with sea salt, and let it cook for 20 minutes on low heat

6. Add the double cream in and let it cook for 3 or 4 minutes more, while gently stirring to marry the flavors together

7. Bring the pasta water to boil, then add the coarse sea salt and drop the pasta in

8. Drain the pasta ‘al dente’ and move it to the saucepan, stirring it lovingly into the sauce

9. Remove it from the heat and add parmigiano cheese to your liking [we like a lot of it!]

10. Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for decoration before serving…then enjoy! 😋