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Penne alla Vodka

Penne alla Vodka
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Penne alla Vodka is a comforting Italian-American pasta dish combining creamy tomato sauce with a subtle vodka-infused richness. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a luscious, silky sauce coating perfectly cooked penne pasta. This easy, flavorful recipe is ideal for cozy dinners, crowd-pleasing family meals, and versatile enough to customize with proteins or veggies.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz penne pasta

Sauce Base

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Tomato and Vodka

  • 1 cup vodka
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Cream and Cheese

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs and Seasoning

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped shallots and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add Vodka and Simmer: Pour in vodka and let it simmer gently, reducing slightly to cook off most of the alcohol and concentrate the flavors, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Stir in Tomatoes and Cream: Add crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes to thicken, then lower heat and stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and silky.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne to the sauce and toss gently to coat thoroughly. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve desired consistency.
  6. Finish with Cheese and Basil: Remove skillet from heat, stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste before serving.

Notes

  • Use high-quality crushed tomatoes for the best sauce flavor and color.
  • Do not skip the vodka; it adds depth and melds the tomato and cream beautifully.
  • Simmer the sauce gently on low heat to prevent cream from curdling.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta.
  • Use fresh basil leaves instead of dried herbs for a brighter, fresher taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Penne alla Vodka, creamy tomato pasta, easy Italian dinner, vodka pasta sauce, weeknight pasta recipe

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