Vegan Vodka Sauce (Vegan Penne alla Vodka)

4.90 from 56 votes

This vegan vodka sauce is the creamy tomato sauce of your dreams. Use it to make Vegan Penne alla vodka or for a variety of other things!

Prep Time5

Cook Time30

Total Time35

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: people

Calories: 450kcal

3 tablespoon olive oil (can sub for vegetable stock)
1 medium sweet onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
28 oz can whole San Marzano tomatoes in juice (795g)
⅓ cup high quality vodka (75g)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (6g)
½ cup coconut cream (this is the thick cream on top of canned coconut milk - see post for substitutions if allergic like vegan yogurt) (120g)
1-2 teaspoon vegan cane sugar
½ cup grated vegan Parmesan cheese (we like Violife - see most for subs if allergic) (40g)
16 oz penne pasta (if making penne alla vodka) (454g)

In a large saute pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add in onions and garlic and cook about 3-4 minutes to soften and become fragrant.
Add red pepper flakes and cook for 1 more minute.
Add in can of San Marzano tomatoes and vodka. Mix it together and cook about for 5-7 minutes until gently reduced, stirring occasionally.
Add in your tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper and stir it all together well.
Turn the heat down to low/simmer and partly cover for 20 minutes until reduced by half, stirring every few mins.
If making penne alla vodka, While that's cooking, bring a pot of water to a boil. Salt the water and cook the pasta according to the package directions. When done, drain and set aside.
After the sauce has cooked for 20 minutes, carefully add it to a blender or food processor, add basil and purée until smooth.
After it's smooth, add the sauce back into the pan and stir in coconut cream and sugar. Cook until warmed through.
Stir in parmesan cheese and cooked pasta if adding. Toss to combine.
Serve or store in air tight container in the fridge for up to a week.

*See post for notes about Top 8 Allergy Free variation

**Nutritional facts are just estimates. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates.