Spicy Vodka Pasta with Ham

Spicy Vodka Pasta Recipe

I cannot get enough of this Spicy Vodka Ham Pasta! It’s so flavorful and easy to make, making it a winner in my weekly menu. While I love the original, viral restaurant version, my easy weeknight version can be made right at home in no time at all. And I’ve even included options for making this recipe without vodka and ways to serve it to littles!

My entire family loves this healthier take on classic Spicy Vodka Pasta because it’s creamy, cheesy, savory, and has just the right amount of kick. If you’ve been stuck in a dinner rut lately and need a new healthy dinner idea, you’ll love this rigatoni recipe!

RELATED: 30+ Healthy Pasta Recipes (Easy & Comforting!)

What is Spicy Rigatoni Vodka?

Spicy Rigatoni Vodka is creamy, cozy pasta with a little kick—and it’s SO good! It’s made with a simple tomato and cream-based sauce that gets blended with just a splash of vodka for depth and silkiness. Red pepper flakes bring that heat, and the rigatoni pasta holds onto the sauce like a dream. It’s rich, spicy, and surprisingly easy to make at home. If you’ve ever had the viral NYC-style version at a restaurant, this is that same delicious vibe… but even better because you can make it in your own kitchen in just 30 minutes!

Spicy Vodka Sauce Recipe Ingredients

Here are a few notes about what you’ll need to make this delicious recipe:

Rigatoni Pasta – I love rigatoni pasta, but really any type of pasta works great! Penne pasta and bowties are both great alternatives. You can also use whole wheat pasta or chickpea/lentil-based pasta for an even healthier version.

Olive Oil – The olive oil in this recipe adds so much flavor.

Shallots/Garlic – There’s nothing like the combination of sauteed diced shallots and minced garlic in pasta recipes!

Tomato Paste – The tomato paste in this recipe is one of the core ingredients for Spicy Vodka Sauce.

Vodka – The Vodka adds so much flavor and helps create the perfect texture in this sauce! Don’t have Vodka on hand? White wine can work as well (although not quite the same as far as the flavor goes, but delicious nonetheless).

Plain Greek Yogurt – The yogurt mixed with warm water (or pasta water) is poured into the sauce, adding a creamy texture! However, you can also use sour cream instead.

Parmesan – Grated parmesan cheese adds the right amount of cheesy flavor! Be sure to keep a little extra on hand to garnish at the end (optional, but SO good).

Red Pepper Flakes/Salt – The red pepper flakes add the right amount of spiciness! Feel free to adjust this ingredient to taste.

Chopped Kale – I love adding chopped kale for more nutrition and a delicious texture.

Cooked Ham – The flavor of cooked, diced ham pairs perfectly with Spicy Vodka Pasta. However, feel free to add any protein of your choice! Cooked chicken, Italian sausage, shrimp, or steak are all wonderful options!

TRY THIS RECIPE: Healthy Chicken Alfredo (Cauliflower Sauce)

How to Make Spicy Vodka Pasta

You won’t believe how easy this TikTok famous recipe is. It’s definitely worth the hype! And the best part is that you can put it together in just 30-40 minutes, using only a pot of water for the pasta and a saute pan or large saucepan. Here’s how to make Spicy Vodka Pasta:

1. Cook Your Pasta

The first step is to cook your choice of pasta (I used rigatoni) according to the package directions.

2. Make the Spicy Vodka Sauce

Use a saute pan with tall sides to cook the shallot and garlic in olive oil over medium heat. Mix in the tomato paste, vodka, Greek yogurt with warm water (or sour cream), parmesan, red pepper flakes, and salt.

3. Add Your Protein

Mix in the chopped kale and cooked diced ham!

4. Garnish & Enjoy

Remove from heat, garnish, and enjoy! So easy and delicious!

Spicy Rigatoni Vodka Recipe Variations

One of the things I love most about this pasta is how easy it is to change things up! Whether you’re making it vegetarian, lightening it up, or just using what you have on hand, here are some fun ways to mix it up:

• Swap Protein: Feel free to use grilled chicken, or shrimp for a more filling version.
• Vegetarian: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted zucchini work great if you want to skip the meat.
• Use a Different Pasta: No rigatoni? No problem. Penne, fusilli, or even bowtie pasta are all great options.
• Turn Up (or Down) the Heat: Adjust the red pepper flakes to match your spice preference—more if you love heat, less if you’re feeding little ones or keeping it mild.

How to Serve Spicy Vodka Pasta

This pasta is a full-on comfort meal, but it’s also so easy to dress up for date night or quickly make on busy weeknights. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

• Sprinkle a little fresh basil or parsley on top to brighten things up.
• Add grated parmesan or pecorino for a salty, cheesy finish (so good!).
• Serve it with a simple side salad and vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Toast up a slice of sourdough or garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce.
• Want to keep it simple? Just serve it warm in a cozy bowl and enjoy it as-is—you really can’t go wrong.

Storing Spicy Vodka Rigatoni

Leftover Spicy Vodka Pasta can be refrigerated or frozen for later! Place the pasta in an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3-5 days. To freeze, let it cool completely in the refrigerator, then move to the freezer and store for up to 3 months!

More Easy Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

• Creamy Brie Pasta Recipe
• Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
• Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe
• 10-Minute Avocado Pasta Sauce
• Chicken Tomato Pesto Burrata Pasta

Did you make this recipe? Be sure to give it a rating below and tag your photos @jar.of.lemons!