Penne alla Vodka: What It Is and Why Long Island Loves It

Penne alla vodka is one of the most ordered pasta dishes on any Long Island Italian menu, and one of the most misunderstood. People ask us whether it tastes of alcohol, whether it’s safe for kids, and what it actually is. So let’s clear that up.

What’s in it

At its core, vodka sauce is a tomato sauce enriched with cream and cooked with a splash of vodka. The cream turns the sauce a soft pink-orange colour and gives it a smooth, rich texture that clings to penne. Many versions add pork, such as pancetta, prosciutto or ham, for a savoury depth.

Our version is made with vodka, cream, ham and a touch of marinara. Because of the ham, it isn’t vegetarian. If you need a meat-free pasta, go with our baked ziti or spaghetti with tomato sauce.

What the vodka actually does

The vodka’s there for flavour, not for alcohol. Cooking reduces it, and what it leaves behind is a sharper, brighter tomato flavour and a smoother sauce. That’s because alcohol helps release and carry flavour compounds in the tomato that water and fat alone don’t. You won’t taste vodka in a well-made sauce. Cooking reduces the alcohol substantially, though it doesn’t remove every trace. That’s worth knowing if you avoid alcohol entirely.

Where it comes from

The origin is genuinely disputed. Some accounts place it in Italy in the 1970s. Others credit Italian-American restaurants in New York in the same era. What isn’t disputed is where it became a staple: it took hold in the Italian-American restaurants of New York and Long Island and never left the menu.

Why it works so well with penne

Penne is a tube cut on an angle, with ridges on the outside. The hollow centre fills with sauce, and the ridges hold it on the outside. A creamy sauce like vodka is exactly what that shape is made for.

How to order it at Nino’s

• Penne A La Vodka: $15.95, served with salad and bread
• Penne A La Vodka with Grilled Chicken: $19.95
• Penne Alla Vodka catering tray: $60 for a full tray

It pairs well with a side of garlic knots ($3.50) and a Caesar salad. Prices are from our ordering menu at the time of writing. See everything on the full menu.

Serving it at a party

Vodka sauce holds up well in a catering tray, and it’s often the first tray emptied at a party. For a crowd, pair it with one baked pasta that’s vegetarian and one protein tray. Our tray headcount guide shows how many to order, and our pasta catering trays page lists every option. If you’re weighing entrees too, see chicken parm vs francese vs marsala.