There’s something about a comforting pasta dish that instantly brings me back to the kitchen of my beloved Mama Lou, where aromas of simmering tomatoes and fresh basil wove through the air like a warm embrace. Today, I want to share a recipe that’s a modern twist on a classic comfort food—what some might call the “kendall jenner vodka pasta recipe.” It’s a dish that feels both elegant and homey, perfect for those moments when you want to impress but still crave that feeling of familiarity. As I stirred this creamy vodka sauce, I couldn’t help but think of afternoons spent cooking alongside my sister Ouma, laughing and sharing stories, the kind of memory that makes every bite a little sweeter.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This kendall jenner vodka pasta recipe
This kendall jenner vodka pasta recipe is a beautiful blend of rich creaminess, tangy tomato goodness, and a hint of warmth from the vodka that elevates it beyond your typical pasta night. Growing up, Mama Lou always taught me that the secret to any great dish is love and patience—and this recipe is no exception. The vodka helps to release flavors from the tomatoes, creating a sauce that’s silky, vibrant, and deeply satisfying.
What I adore most about this dish is its versatility. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or a stylish get-together, it strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity. It’s one of those recipes that instantly became a favorite in my household, especially after sharing it with Ouma during one of our weekend cooking marathons. She loved how quickly it came together but still tasted like something you’d find in a fancy Italian trattoria.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This kendall jenner vodka pasta recipe
- 12 ounces penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand or roughly chopped
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, torn for garnish
If you’re looking for substitutions, feel free to swap heavy cream for half-and-half if you want a lighter sauce, though it won’t be quite as rich. Gluten-free pasta works beautifully here too, and I’ve even made this with zucchini noodles during summer months when Ouma and I were trying to eat a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: Approximately 520 per serving
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 670mg
These values are based on dividing the recipe into four generous servings. While rich, this dish offers a balanced amount of protein and fiber, especially if you choose whole grain or legume-based pasta. I always encourage enjoying this as part of a meal that includes a fresh salad or steamed greens to round out the nutrition and add that touch of freshness Mama Lou always insisted on. Learn more: pasta recipe in hindi
Print
Indulge in the Creamy Kendall Jenner Vodka Pasta Recipe Everyone Is Talking About
Learn how to make delicious kendall jenner vodka pasta recipe. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand or roughly chopped
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, torn for garnish
If you’re looking for substitutions, feel free to swap heavy cream for half-and-half if you want a lighter sauce, though it won’t be quite as rich. Gluten-free pasta works beautifully here too, and I’ve even made this with zucchini noodles during summer months when Ouma and I were trying to eat a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for later.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and soft. I remember Mama Lou always saying, “soft onions are the soul of a good sauce.”
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should smell sweet, not bitter.
- Pour in the vodka, stirring to deglaze the pan. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to meld. I always take a moment here to breathe in the aroma; it’s one of my favorite scents in the kitchen.
- Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stirring well. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and deepens in color. This is where the sauce really develops its heart.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Let it warm through for another 3-5 minutes. The sauce will become luxuriously creamy—just the way Mama Lou would want it.
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and help the sauce cling perfectly to each piece.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. I find this step so rewarding, knowing the sauce is exactly how I want it.
- Serve immediately, garnished with torn fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan on the side. I love watching Ouma’s face light up when we sit down to this—it’s our little celebration of family and food.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Steps to Create Your kendall jenner vodka pasta recipe
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for later.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and soft. I remember Mama Lou always saying, “soft onions are the soul of a good sauce.”
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should smell sweet, not bitter.
- Pour in the vodka, stirring to deglaze the pan. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to meld. I always take a moment here to breathe in the aroma; it’s one of my favorite scents in the kitchen.
- Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stirring well. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and deepens in color. This is where the sauce really develops its heart.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Let it warm through for another 3-5 minutes. The sauce will become luxuriously creamy—just the way Mama Lou would want it.
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and help the sauce cling perfectly to each piece.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. I find this step so rewarding, knowing the sauce is exactly how I want it.
- Serve immediately, garnished with torn fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan on the side. I love watching Ouma’s face light up when we sit down to this—it’s our little celebration of family and food.
Tips for Making the Best kendall jenner vodka pasta recipe
- Use quality vodka: It may seem like a small detail, but a clean-tasting vodka makes a noticeable difference in the final sauce.
- Don’t rush the simmer: Letting the tomato sauce gently bubble allows the flavors to concentrate and deepen.
- Hand-crush your tomatoes: If you can, crush whole peeled tomatoes by hand for a more rustic sauce texture—Mama Lou’s way always felt so much more authentic.
- Reserve pasta water: This starchy water is a secret weapon to perfect sauce consistency and helps it cling to your noodles beautifully.
- Freshly grate Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese can be convenient, but freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds a richer flavor.
- Adjust creaminess: Add cream gradually, tasting as you go to find your perfect balance between tangy tomato and smooth richness.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Whenever I make this kendall jenner vodka pasta recipe, I imagine a table set with warmth and laughter, just like the dinners Mama Lou used to host. To keep the spirit alive, I love pairing this dish with a crisp arugula salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens cut through the richness of the sauce so beautifully.
For a heartier meal, roasted garlic bread is a must—crusty on the outside, soft and fragrant inside. Ouma and I often toast slices of baguette with garlic butter when we serve this pasta; it’s simple, yet so comforting. If you’re feeling festive, a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or a light rosé complements the creamy tomato sauce wonderfully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
I know sometimes life calls for leftovers, and this dish handles them well—something Mama Lou always appreciated when cooking for big families. To store, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When reheating, I recommend warming it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to bring back that saucy magic. Microwaving works too but be sure to stir every 30 seconds to avoid uneven heating. Leftovers can also be frozen for up to a month; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients for kendall jenner vodka pasta recipe?
The main ingredients for kendall jenner vodka pasta recipe include the items listed in our ingredients section above. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture.
How long does it take to make kendall jenner vodka pasta recipe?
The total time to make kendall jenner vodka pasta recipe includes both preparation and cooking time. Check the recipe card above for exact timing details.
Can I make kendall jenner vodka pasta recipe ahead of time?
Yes, kendall jenner vodka pasta recipe can often be prepared in advance. Store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within the recommended timeframe.
What can I serve with kendall jenner vodka pasta recipe?
kendall jenner vodka pasta recipe pairs well with various sides and accompaniments. Consider the serving suggestions mentioned in the recipe for the best dining experience.
Is kendall jenner vodka pasta recipe suitable for special diets?
Depending on the ingredients used, kendall jenner vodka pasta recipe may be adapted for various dietary needs. Check the ingredients list and consider substitutions as needed for your dietary requirements.
Final Thoughts
Sharing the kendall jenner vodka pasta recipe feels like passing down a little piece of my own family’s kitchen to yours. It’s a dish that blends tradition with a touch of modern flair—something Mama Lou would have approved of wholeheartedly. Cooking it reminds me of the laughter and love I’ve been lucky to share with Ouma, turning simple ingredients into moments of joy and connection.
“Food is more than nourishment—it’s memory, love, and togetherness all simmered into one beautiful pot.”
So next time you crave a pasta dinner that’s both comforting and a bit special, give this recipe a try. I promise it will fill your home with warmth and your heart with a little extra happiness, just as it has for me and my family time and time again.
