RecipeShare
vodka rigatoni
cherry tomato pasta
creamy vodka sauce pasta
rigatoni with vodka
tomato cream pasta
weeknight pasta dinner
21 September 2025

Creamy Cherry Tomato Vodka Rigatoni Pasta

JojoM adapted from recipeincaption

Creamy Cherry Tomato Vodka Rigatoni Pasta Image

Juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, cream, and vodka come together in this irresistible rigatoni pasta. A cozy weeknight dinner with minimal effort!

Creamy Cherry Tomato Vodka Rigatoni Pasta 🍅🥂

If you’re craving a pasta that’s cozy, creamy, and full of flavor, this Cherry Tomato Vodka Rigatoni is the ultimate weeknight dinner. With juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, cream, and a splash of vodka, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes — minimal effort, maximum comfort. Perfect for date nights at home or a quick family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Rigatoni Recipe 💖

  • Flavor-packed – Sweet cherry tomatoes simmer down into a jammy, garlicky sauce.
  • Creamy & indulgent – Parmesan and cream give it that luscious texture.
  • Customizable – Add grilled chicken, sausage, or salmon for extra protein.
  • Quick & easy – Ready in half an hour with pantry staples.

Cooking Tips & Tricks 👩‍🍳

  • Blend half the tomato sauce for an ultra-smooth, restaurant-style finish.
  • Always cook pasta al dente and save some pasta water — it’s the secret to silky sauce.
  • Top with plenty of fresh basil and extra Parmesan for that Italian touch.

Serving Ideas 🍽️

This pasta is hearty enough on its own, but you can make it a full meal by serving with:

  • A crisp green salad with balsamic dressing
  • Garlic bread or focaccia
  • A glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon

Frequently Asked Questions ❓

What does the vodka do in vodka sauce?
Vodka helps emulsify the tomatoes and cream, making the sauce smoother and enhancing flavor.

Can I make this without vodka?
Absolutely! The sauce will still be creamy and delicious — just skip the vodka step.

What proteins go well with this pasta?
Grilled chicken, spicy sausage, or seared salmon pair beautifully with the creamy tomato sauce.

Final Thoughts 🌿

This creamy cherry tomato vodka rigatoni pasta is proof that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, it’s a bowl of comfort you’ll come back to again and again.

👉 Save this recipe for your next weeknight dinner — it’s sure to be a hit!

Creamy Cherry Tomato Vodka Rigatoni Pasta

JojoM adapted from recipeincaption

Juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, cream, and vodka come together in this irresistible rigatoni pasta. A cozy weeknight dinner with minimal effort!

Creamy Cherry Tomato Vodka Rigatoni Pasta image
vodka rigatoni
cherry tomato pasta
creamy vodka sauce pasta
rigatoni with vodka
tomato cream pasta
weeknight pasta dinner
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
4

Chef's Tips

  • Blend half the sauce for extra creaminess.

  • Add grilled chicken, sausage, or salmon for protein.

  • Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.

Tools Used

We use affiliate links, which may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Ingredients

USMetric

Pasta

Sauce

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

  2. 2

    Cook rigatoni until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water before draining.

Make the Sauce

  1. 1

    Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high.

  2. 2

    Sauté minced shallot for 3 minutes until soft.

  3. 3

    Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute, then stir in seasonings.

  4. 4

    Add cherry tomatoes and 1 tsp salt. Cook 8–10 minutes until softened and jammy, smashing gently with a spoon.

  5. 5

    (Optional) Blend half the tomato mixture and stir back in with tomato paste.

  6. 6

    Stir in vodka and cook 2–3 minutes until evaporated.

  7. 7

    Reduce heat to low, stir in cream, and simmer gently.

  8. 8

    Add parmesan, basil, and pasta. Toss together, adding pasta water if needed.

Finish & Serve

  1. 1

    Taste and adjust seasoning.

  2. 2

    Serve hot topped with fresh basil and extra parmesan.

Comments & Reviews

  • Jamie McGuire

    9/21/2025

    Had me at vodka! This is my new favorite weeknight pasta.

  • Joe Callender

    9/21/2025

    I wasn’t sure about the vodka, but wow it makes the sauce amazing.

  • Diannaaa

    9/21/2025

    I added chicken and broccoli, turned out fire 🔥

  • Foodie_Lover

    9/21/2025

    So easy to follow, even my husband managed to cook it 😂

Create Your Own Recipes

Sign up to create, save, and organize your favorite recipes.

Create recipes with AI assistance

Import recipes from any URL

Create personalized collections

Get recipes based on dietary needs

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 plate (about 300g)

Calories 540
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 28g36%
Saturated Fat 11g55%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 80mg27%
Sodium 820mg36%
Total Carbohydrates 52g19%
Dietary Fiber 4g14%
Sugars 7g
Protein 17g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Loading...
Creamy Cherry Tomato Vodka Rigatoni Pasta - RecipeShare App