What Pasta Goes with Vodka Sauce? (10 Best Kinds of Pasta)

Knowing what kind of pasta goes with vodka sauce can be tricky.

After all, there are so many delicious options to choose from!

But don’t worry, I’m here to help.

I’ve rounded up 10 of the best types of pasta to serve with vodka sauce.

Whether you are looking for a classic option like spaghetti or something a little more unique like ziti, there is sure to be a pasta on this list that you’ll love.

So go ahead and give one (or all!) of these pastas a try the next time you make vodka sauce!

What Pasta Goes with Vodka Sauce?

The best kinds of pasta to use with vodka sauce are long and tubular, like penne, ziti, or rigatoni. The sauce clings to these shapes better than it does to thinner noodles.

If you’re still not sure, then just keep scrolling!

Here are 10 kinds of pasta that go with vodka sauce:

1. Spaghetti

Spaghetti is a long, thin, solid, cylindrical pasta that is commonly used in Italian cuisine.

It is made of durum wheat semolina and water.

Vodka sauce is a creamy tomato sauce that is usually made with tomatoes, cream, vodka, and spices.

The vodka helps to thin out the sauce and give it a bit of a kick.

Spaghetti pairs well with vodka sauce because it is a simple pasta that does not compete with the flavors of the sauce.

Pro Tip: If you want your pasta to have more flavor, try cooking it in chicken or beef broth instead of water.

2. Penne

Penne is an extruded type of pasta with cylinder-shaped pieces and adiagonal cut at the ends.

It is one of the most popular types of pasta, and it is especially well-suited for use in vodka sauce.

The ridges on penne help to trap the sauce, making every bite full of flavor.

Additionally, the shape and size of penne make it easy to twirl on your fork, making it fun to eat as well as delicious!

Pro Tip: To really bring out the flavor of your vodka sauce, try using pancetta in place of bacon.

3. Ziti

Ziti is a very popular tube-shaped pasta that is commonly used in Italian dishes.

It is a great pasta to use with vodka sauce because the sauce can really cling to the pasta and the flavor is very pronounced.

Ziti is also a good choice because it is a hearty pasta that can stand up to the strong flavors of the sauce.

4. Rigatoni

Rigatoni are a form of tube-shaped pasta of varying lengths and diameters.

They are larger than penne and have ridges running along their length.

Rigatoni’s shape and size make it ideal for hearty sauces like ragu alla bolognese, as well as lighter tomato-based sauces like vodka sauce.

The ridges on rigatoni also help to hold onto grated cheese and chopped vegetables, making it a great option for a one-pot meal.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a heartier pasta to use with vodka sauce, try rigatoni. The tube-shaped pasta has ridges that help it hold onto the sauce, as well as grated cheese and chopped vegetables.

5. Fusilli

Fusilli are a pasta that are formed into corkscrew or helical shapes.

They can be made with white or whole wheat flour, and sometimes contain eggs.

Fusilli are traditionally made in the Campania and Apulia regions of Italy.

Fusilli are commonly used in pasta salads, casseroles, and baked dishes.

Vodka sauce is usually served with penne pasta, but fusilli would be a great alternative.

The shape of the pasta will help to hold onto the sauce, and the spirals will add an interesting visual element to your dish.

6. Farfalle

Farfalle is also known as bow-tie pasta or butterfly pasta.

It is a type of pasta that is made from flour, water and eggs.

The dough is rolled out into thin sheets and then cut into small pieces.

The shape of the pasta is what gives it its name.

Farfalle pasta is a popular choice for use in salads, as well as with heavier sauces such as vodka sauce.

Pro Tip: To keep your farfalle from sticking together, be sure to add plenty of water to your pot when boiling and stir frequently.

7. Shells

This kind of pasta is usually sold in the plain durum wheat variety, as well as the more flavorful semolina version.

The shells have a distinctive shape, being curved with a small hole in the center of each one.

This pasta is also known for being very versatile, as it can be used in a variety of dishes.

It is commonly used in soups, casseroles, and salads.

8. Orecchiette

This type of pasta resembles a small ear shape, which is where it gets its name from.

Orecchiette is a type of pasta that is traditionally made with semolina flour and water.

It has a slightly chewy texture and can be found in most grocery stores.

This pasta pairs well with vodka sauce because the ear shape allows the sauce to pool in the center, creating a more flavorful dish.

Pro Tip: If you can’t find orecchiette at your local grocery store, you can substitute another type of pasta, such as shells or penne.

9. Ditalini

These tiny pastas are often used in soups, like minestrone, because they cook quickly and absorb broth well.

But ditalini are also the perfect size for scooping up creamy sauces like vodka sauce.

The ridges on the outside of the pasta help the sauce cling, so every bite is as flavorful as the last.

And since ditalini are such a small pasta, there’s more surface area for the sauce to cling to, which means more flavor in every bite.

Pro Tip: If you can’t find ditalini at your local grocery store, you can substitute another small pasta like elbow macaroni or shells.

10. Linguine

Linguine is a long, flat, narrow strand pasta that originates from the Liguria region in Italy.

It is made from durum wheat flour and water, and sometimes eggs are used.

Linguine is a versatile pasta that can be used in many different dishes, including soups, salads, casseroles, and more.

The word “linguine” comes from the Italian word for “tongue”, which is fitting because this pasta resembles a tongue in shape.

Pro Tip: When cooking linguine, be sure not to overcook it. The pasta should be cooked al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite but not hard. Overcooked linguine will be mushy and will not hold up well to heavier sauces like vodka sauce.