Hot Mama Penne alla Vodka
A little Hot Mama. A little pasta night. Very Bloody Darn Good.
Hot Mama Penne alla Vodka is exactly that. It takes the classic comfort of creamy vodka sauce and gives it a bold, savory twist using our Hot Mama Bloody Mary Mix.
The result? A silky, pink-hued pasta with just enough spice, tang, and depth to keep things interesting. It’s cozy, a little unexpected, and perfect for when you want dinner to feel fun without being fussy.
Why Hot Mama Works in Pasta
Hot Mama already brings tomatoes, spice, acid, and seasoning to the party — which means it slides beautifully into a vodka sauce. The cream softens the edges, the vodka boosts the flavors, and suddenly you’ve got a sauce that tastes layered and intentional with very little effort.
This is the kind of recipe that feels right for a Friday night, a casual dinner party, or a “what do I make with what I have?” moment.
Recipe: Hot Mama Penne alla Vodka
Ingredients
16 oz uncooked penne pasta
2 tbsp butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup vodka (optional, but traditional)
1½ cups Hot Mama Bloody Mary Mix
¾ cup heavy cream
Salt & pepper to taste (go light — the mix already has seasoning)
Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Freshly grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Build the base
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until soft and translucent.
Add garlic & vodka
Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in the vodka and let it simmer for about a minute to cook off the alcohol and concentrate the flavor.
Add the Bloody Mary magic
Pour in the Hot Mama. Stir well and let it simmer for 5–8 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
Cream it up
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. The sauce should turn silky and blush-pink. Heat gently — don’t let it boil.
Bring it all together
Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss until every noodle is coated. Taste and adjust with pepper, and salt only if needed.
Serve
Finish with fresh herbs and Parmesan if you like. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.
Make It Your Own
Add vegetables: Sautéed bell peppers, or a handful of spinach fold right into the sauce.
Add protein: Grilled shrimp, roasted chicken, or Italian sausage all pair beautifully with this dish.