Go Back
–+ servings

Instant Pot Penne Alla Vodka

This rich and creamy Instant Pot Penne Alla Vodka is an easy and flavorful pasta dish made with a velvety tomato-based sauce infused with pancetta, Parmesan, and cream.
The vodka enhances the depth of the tomato sauce, while pressure cooking ensures the flavors meld beautifully in a short time.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Pasta
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tbsp ½ stick salted butter, divided
  • 4 oz pancetta or 4 strips bacon diced
  • 1 large shallot minced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced or pressed
  • ½ cup vodka optional, enhances flavor but can be omitted
  • 3½ cups marinara sauce divided (Victoria brand recommended if store-bought)
  • 3 cups garlic broth or chicken broth
  • 1 14.5-ounce can diced or stewed tomatoes
  • 1 lb penne rigate or mezze penne
  • ⅓ cup fresh oregano chopped (plus more for serving)
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • 1 5.2-ounce package Boursin spread (any flavor) or 4 oz cream cheese, cut into chunks

Instructions
 

Sauté the pancetta or bacon:

  • Set the Instant Pot to Sauté (More or High setting) and melt 2 tbsp of butter.
  • Add the diced pancetta or bacon and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring, until the fat renders.

Sauté aromatics:

  • Add the shallot and cook for 2 minutes, stirring until fragrant and translucent.
  • Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute, ensuring it doesn’t brown.

Deglaze with vodka:

  • Pour in the vodka, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it cook for 1 minute to burn off the alcohol.

Add liquids and seasonings:

  • Stir in 1½ cups of marinara sauce, broth, diced tomatoes, and remaining 2 tbsp of butter.
  • Mix everything well to combine.

Add pasta (but don’t stir):

  • Gently place the penne on top but do not mix.
  • Lightly press it down so it is mostly submerged in liquid.

Pressure cook:

  • Secure the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and select Manual (Pressure Cook) on High Pressure for 6 minutes.
  • Once the cooking cycle is done, perform a quick release.

Make it creamy:

  • Stir in the remaining 2 cups of marinara sauce, oregano, heavy cream, Parmesan, and Boursin or cream cheese.
  • Mix well until the cheese melts into the sauce, about 2 minutes.

Serve and garnish:

  • Top with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh oregano before serving.

Notes

  • No Vodka? No problem! It enhances the tomato sauce’s depth but can be omitted.
  • Protein Add-ins: Feel free to add crumbled sausage, ground beef, turkey, or chicken in Step 1, but use no more than ½ lb to avoid pressure issues.
  • Make it Spicier: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
  • Cheese Substitutes: Use ricotta, mascarpone, or extra Parmesan instead of Boursin for a different texture.
Keyword creamy vodka pasta, easy dinner idea, instant pot pasta, instant pot recipes, one-pot pasta recipe, pressure cooker penne
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!