Description
A straightforward recipe for rich and creamy Penne alla Vodka, featuring a tomato and cream sauce flavored with a touch of vodka.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the vodka. Let it simmer and reduce slightly for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The alcohol cooks off, leaving flavor.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and butter until the sauce is smooth and pink. Do not let the sauce boil after adding the cream.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat thoroughly. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water, one splash at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately topped with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Notes
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the tomato mixture briefly before adding the cream.
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality crushed tomatoes.
- If you omit the vodka, add 1 teaspoon of white wine vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the slight acidity the vodka provides.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 16
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 75
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 80