Vodka Sauce is a luscious, creamy pasta sauce that has always been one of my all-time favorite sauces! If you eat a plant-based diet, this might be one of the meals you thought you couldn’t eat anymore because it has cream in it.

Well, you CAN! And it definitely doesn’t take hours in the kitchen. 30 minutes max! This recipe I’m sharing is for vegan vodka sauce. A much healthier version of traditional creamy pasta sauce. I hope you love it as much as I do!

I’m here to tell you that vodka sauce can be made vegan very easily. And, all of the flavor you’re expecting will still be there!

When I started a plant-based diet, I thought I had to eliminate all of the yummy creamy pasta sauces I loved so much. Now, after a lot of experimenting with recipes and creating meals on my own, I know that this just isn’t true!

Anytime I crave a special sauce such as a creamy vodka sauce, I make my own vegan vodka sauce, and I’m beyond satisfied.

This is a delicious VEGAN ALLA VODKA sauce that is a rich, smooth tomato-based sauce and is easily made without dairy. I like to think of it as a “modern-day” vodka sauce with a healthy twist. We don’t have to sacrifice flavor to enjoy a healthier meal!

The cream in this vegan vodka sauce recipe comes from coconut milk.

This can be replaced by a cashew cream sauce or coconut cream. Coconut milk is my favorite way to make this vegan vodka sauce because of the rich consistency and the sweetness it provides. It’s also a lot quicker than making a cashew cream sauce to add in. This way, you just open the can, pour it in, and stir it around. I’m all about the easiest version.

The pasta used in the traditional version of Penne Alla Vodka is penne pasta. I like to make it with different pasta shapes! I’ve made vegan vodka pasta with rotini pasta which works very well too. My all-time favorite pasta for vegan vodka pasta is rigatoni pasta. I simply love the full tube-shaped pasta because of the ridges. They hold the sauce really well! They also hold the vegan parmesan on the pasta tubes.

And for some reason, I enjoy the larger pasta – no good explanation why! This is a personal preference and you can make it with your own favorite pasta. Why not mix it up – just make it with what you have on hand!

What you’ll need:

Pasta (rigatoni, penne, rotini, or your favorite!)
Olive oil or vegan butter
Garlic
Onion
Red pepper chili flakes
Capers
Oregano
Tomato paste
Vodka
Crushed tomatoes
Coconut milk (full fat)
Fresh basil
Nutritional yeast or Vegan parmesan (my favorite recipe is from Minimalist Baker)
Salt & pepper

Here are some optional additions to boost your meal up!

Vegan sausage crumbles or any meat crumbles if you don’t follow a vegan diet

Mushrooms

History of Vodka Sauce

Depending on who you ask, the story of how vodka sauce originated is a bit different. An overwhelming number of sources say that it’s an Italian-American dish that was created right here in the US by an Italian chef. Some others say that it did in fact originate in Italy back in the ’70s.

In either case, the recipe was inspired by Italian cooking and we honor it as an “Italian dish”. Traditionally, it’s made with heavy cream, Roma tomatoes, onions, herbs, and vodka. The vegan version keeps many of the same ingredients with the exception of dairy. It has the same consistency as the traditional version when you make this vegan vodka sauce with coconut milk (or coconut cream or cashew cream).

Cooking with Vodka

Vodka is relatively flavorless when it’s used in cooking. What it does is enhances the flavor of the tomatoes and adds aromatic compounds to the dish. I use a mid-range priced vodka in my recipe and it comes out delicious every time.

I recommend not selecting a vodka that is flavored as it will affect the final flavor of your dish. The alcohol somewhat evaporates during cooking, especially if you cook it down for a while, but it doesn’t completely go away. The final dish will still have a little bit of alcohol in it.

How Long Will this vegan vodka sauce Last?

This vegan vodka sauce will stay fresh for about 4 to 5 days in the fridge in a sealed container. This makes it easy and convenient to enjoy the leftovers for an easy lunch or quick dinner. These are my all-time favorite containers for fridge storage!

Can Vegan Vodka Sauce Be Frozen?

Yes! The vegan vodka sauce is best when it’s frozen on its own without the pasta combined into it. If your intention is to freeze the sauce, then do not combine it with cooked pasta as the recipe suggests. Store the sauce in a sealed container or sealed bag in the freezer.

When defrosting the sauce, simply place it in the fridge for a few hours. Once thawed, pour the vodka sauce into a saucepan and reheat over low heat.

BASIC OVERVIEW OF INSTRUCTIONS:

You’ll start by getting your water going for the pasta. Chop your onions and garlic. Get all of your ingredients ready to add, as this is the easiest way to cook. I love having everything all ready to go, just like you do when making a stir-fry! This will make it easier when you’re ready to cook.

If you plan to add mushrooms or vegan sausage to the dish, this is a good time to get those chopped and prepared too. Once your pasta is done, keep some of the pasta water just in case you need it later to thin out the sauce and help the pasta not stick. Heat the vegan butter or oil in a large skillet.

Add your onions, garlic red pepper flakes! One of my favorite things about making this dish is the aroma at this stage. Delicious and enticing!

Next, you’ll add the capers, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste. Once combined, then comes the vodka, coconut milk, and oregano. This will need to cook for a little bit to combine really well! Add your vegan parmesan, salt & pepper, and continue to combine the ingredients. Add your pasta of choice and stir it in well. You’re now on your way to making a lower calorie vegan vodka sauce!

Get that Italian bread ready to dip into your healthier vegan vodka sauce!

Vegan Vodka Sauce

This vegan vodka sauce recipe is a creamy, healthier version of Italian traditional vodka sauce. It's wonderfully delicious and easily prepared in less than 30 minutes! The creamy texture comes from the use of coconut milk instead of heavy cream. You'll love this healthier, easy vegan vodka sauce! Leftovers can be enjoyed by simply reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave. Grab some italian bread and dip in!

Print Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Calories 401 kcal

Ingredients

1 tbsp vegan butter
1.5 tbsp capers
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp oregano
1 cup diced onion small onion
1 can tomato paste small can
1 clove garlic
1/4 cup vodka
1 cup coconut milk or use the whole can for creamier
16 oz rigatoni pasta or your favorite pasta
1 cup canned crushed tomatoes or pureed fresh tomatoes
1/4 cup loosely chopped basil

Instructions

Bring salted water to a boil, and add the pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. For rigatoni pasta, this is usually approximately 12 - 15 minutes. Drain pasta once it's done. Reserve some pasta water in case needed later. This dish works best with al dente pasta.
Heat the vegan butter in a large skillet over low heat
Add the garlic, onions and red pepper flakes and saute
Add the capers and combine for a few minutes
Add the pureed tomatoes and stir. Continue to lightly stir and combine for 5 minutes
Slowly add the coconut milk and simmer for a few more minutes
Add in the vodka and stir to combine
Sprinkle in the oregano, salt, and pepper
Simmer for 8-10 minutes
Add in the cooked pasta and stir. Use some reserved pasta water if needed
Add vegan parmesan cheese and small torn basil pieces
Combine everything and enjoy!

Notes

For a creamier sauce, use the entire can of coconut milk.

Use your preference for the quantity of chopped onions. I love onions so I use an entire onion.

Use your preference of the quantity of garlic. I go light, but you might want more than 1 clove!

For more of a "kick" increase the amount of red pepper flakes.

If adding mushrooms, saute them separately in a smaller pan and add them towards the end of cooking. This avoided adding more water to the finished dish.

Add non-vegan parmesan cheese or sausage if you prefer!

Keyword vegan vodka sauce

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear if you liked it! Tag @itsazestylife on Instagram if you take a yummy photo of it!

For another super creamy vegan pasta sauce recipe, check out Vegan Alfredo with Fresh Herbs!