Name: 5 Ingredient Vegan Vodka Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 12 ounces pasta of choice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small shallot, finely chopped; 1/2 cup vodka; 1 cup canned tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes; 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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Creamy, silky, and full of bold Italian-inspired flavor, this 5 Ingredient Vegan Vodka Pasta is honestly the easiest way to whip up something special on even the busiest night. Five simple ingredients transform into a sauce that clings luxuriously to your favorite noodles, with coconut milk or cashew cream delivering all the lusciousness you’d want—without a hint of dairy. The whole dish comes together in just about 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, late-night cravings, or whenever you want to impress with minimal effort. Trust me, you’ll be making this one again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

5 Ingredient Vegan Vodka Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of 5 Ingredient Vegan Vodka Pasta lies in its simplicity—the short ingredient list means every flavor shines through. These kitchen staples each play an essential role, from creamy richness to zesty brightness. Here’s what you’ll need:

Pasta of choice: The heart of your dish; opt for shapes like rigatoni, penne, or spaghetti to hold all that luscious sauce.
Olive oil: Provides a fruity, fragrant base for sautéing and brings the entire sauce together.
Shallot: Offers gentle sweetness and depth of flavor—way more personality than plain onion here.
Vodka: Brightens the tomato and adds a signature mellow kick; don’t worry, the alcohol cooks off!
Canned tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes: For that vibrant, tangy body; choose high-quality tomatoes for the best taste.
Full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream: Delivers the signature creaminess while keeping everything completely vegan.
Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors into perfect harmony.
Fresh basil (optional): Adds color and a fresh, herby note right before serving.

How to Make 5 Ingredient Vegan Vodka Pasta

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package instructions until just al dente—this helps it hold up once tossed with the rich sauce. Be sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of that precious pasta water before draining; it’s liquid gold for adjusting your sauce’s consistency later!

Step 2: Sauté the Shallot

While your pasta cooks, warm the olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Add your finely chopped shallot and gently sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s translucent and deeply fragrant. This step lays the flavor foundation for the entire dish, so don’t rush it.

Step 3: Add the Vodka

Now for the fun part: carefully pour the vodka into the skillet. The mixture will sizzle and pop a bit, but that’s just the beginnings of delicious flavor! Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, letting the strong alcohol notes cook off and leaving behind just enough brightness to make the sauce sing.

Step 4: Stir in Tomato Sauce

Toss in your tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring now and then. This is where the flavors really meld, and the sauce begins to thicken just enough to hug every strand of pasta you toss into it.

Step 5: Creamy Finishing Touch

Turn the heat down to low and stir in the full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream. You’ll see the sauce instantly turn luscious and velvety—truly what makes this 5 Ingredient Vegan Vodka Pasta so irresistible! Season with salt and pepper to taste, then add your drained pasta directly into the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a splash or two of reserved pasta water if you want a looser sauce. Serve immediately, with a sprinkle of fresh basil if you like!

How to Serve 5 Ingredient Vegan Vodka Pasta

Garnishes

For a final flourish, shower your 5 Ingredient Vegan Vodka Pasta with torn fresh basil leaves. If you want even more flair, a sprinkle of vegan parmesan or chili flakes will take things up a notch. The fresh herbs brighten the creamy sauce and add a pop of color that makes the whole dish feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp arugula salad dressed with lemon, a plate of garlicky roasted broccoli, or a warm loaf of crusty vegan bread to mop up any extra sauce. Keep the sides light to let the rich flavors of your pasta really shine!

Creative Ways to Present

Try twirling your 5 Ingredient Vegan Vodka Pasta into high, elegant nests in shallow bowls for an instant restaurant vibe. Serving family-style on a big platter with basil scattered on top also makes for an eye-catching centerpiece. For a cozy touch, portion the pasta into mini cast iron skillets or bowls if you’re entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, cool any leftover pasta completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, your 5 Ingredient Vegan Vodka Pasta will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it perfect for a grab-and-go lunch or quick dinner tomorrow.

Freezing

You can freeze 5 Ingredient Vegan Vodka Pasta for up to a month, although the sauce’s texture may change slightly upon reheating. For best results, freeze just the sauce and cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to enjoy. Thaw the sauce in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheating is easy! Warm the pasta and sauce gently on the stove, adding a splash of plant-based milk or a bit of water to restore creaminess. You can also microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring after each, until hot all the way through.

FAQs

Can I use a different plant-based milk instead of coconut milk or cashew cream?

You can, but for the signature thick and silky sauce that defines 5 Ingredient Vegan Vodka Pasta, full-fat coconut milk or homemade cashew cream is best. Other milks like almond or soy tend to be too thin for this dish.

Will the pasta taste like vodka?

Not at all! The vodka cooks off, leaving behind just a little complexity and brightness to balance the tomatoes—no boozy flavor here, just total yumminess.

Is there a way to make it gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and follow the recipe as written; the sauce itself is naturally gluten-free.

Can I add extra ingredients to this pasta?

Of course! Feel free to toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, vegan sausage, or even a bit of chili for heat. But the beauty of 5 Ingredient Vegan Vodka Pasta is just how delicious it is with so few ingredients.

Is the vodka necessary?

Vodka is what gives this classic sauce its name and special character, but if you can’t have alcohol, you can substitute with more pasta water, a splash of lemon juice, or even some vegetable broth for a tasty variation.

Final Thoughts

I hope you fall in love with 5 Ingredient Vegan Vodka Pasta as much as I have. It’s proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen to make something truly craveable. Whether you’re cooking for vegan friends or just looking for a cozy dinner idea, this recipe hits the spot every single time—give it a try and see just how irresistible simple can be!

5 Ingredient Vegan Vodka Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

This 5-Ingredient Vegan Vodka Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that comes together in no time. Creamy, rich, and comforting, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The vodka adds a unique depth of flavor to the tomato sauce, while the coconut milk or cashew cream creates a luscious creamy texture that’s dairy-free. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil for a finishing touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces pasta of choice

Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1/2 cup vodka
1 cup canned tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté shallot until soft. Add vodka, cook to reduce. Stir in tomato sauce, simmer. Add coconut milk or cashew cream, season with salt and pepper.
Combine: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot.