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Penne alla Vodka

Penne alla Vodka
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Penne alla Vodka is a creamy and comforting Italian-American pasta dish featuring tender penne pasta tossed in a rich tomato and cream sauce accented with a subtle splash of vodka. Quick and easy to prepare, this recipe delivers bold, balanced flavors perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz penne pasta

Sauce Base

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Tomato and Cream

  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup vodka
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Finishing Touches

  • Fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set pasta aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Add Vodka and Simmer: Carefully pour in the vodka and let it simmer, reducing by half over 3-5 minutes to extract flavors without overpowering the sauce.
  4. Stir in Tomatoes and Spice: Add crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Simmer gently for 10-12 minutes until the sauce thickens and deepens in flavor.
  5. Finish with Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is silky and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Combine with Pasta: Toss the cooked penne into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

  • Don’t skip the vodka as it unlocks unique tomato flavors and balances richness.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for superior flavor and texture.
  • Reserve some pasta water; its starchiness helps the sauce cling perfectly to the pasta.
  • Simmer sauce gently to avoid boiling cream and preserve smoothness.
  • Add fresh basil last to keep its aroma bright and color vibrant.

Nutrition

Keywords: Penne alla Vodka, pasta recipe, creamy pasta, Italian-American dish, easy dinner

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/penne-alla-vodka/