Description
Creamy penne alla vodka brings Italian comfort right to your kitchen, blending rich tomato sauce with a splash of vodka for depth. Smooth, velvety, and irresistibly satisfying, you’ll savor each bite of this classic pasta that transforms an ordinary meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
- 1 (14.5 ounces) can crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup vodka
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare a generously salted water bath in a substantial pot, bringing it to a rolling boil. Submerge the penne pasta, cooking until it reaches a perfect al dente texture with a slight resistance when bitten. Carefully drain the pasta, preserving a small quantity of starchy cooking liquid for later use.
- Select a spacious skillet and warm olive oil over moderate heat. Introduce finely chopped onions, allowing them to soften and become translucent with gentle stirring. Incorporate minced garlic and fiery red pepper flakes, creating an aromatic base that releases its vibrant essence.
- Introduce vodka to the sizzling pan, creating a dramatic simmering effect. Allow the liquid to reduce and mellow, transforming the harsh alcohol into a nuanced flavor component.
- Cascade crushed tomatoes into the skillet, creating a rich, velvety foundation. Simmer the mixture, occasionally stirring to prevent scorching and encourage flavor melding. Gently fold in heavy cream, creating a luxurious, smooth texture that blankets the ingredients.
- Transfer the perfectly cooked pasta into the robust sauce, ensuring each pasta tube becomes thoroughly coated. If the sauce appears too dense, introduce a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve an ideal consistency.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts seamlessly into the sauce. Garnish with fragrant fresh basil or parsley, adding a vibrant final touch that elevates the dish’s visual and aromatic appeal.
Notes
- Choose short, stubby penne for the best sauce-to-pasta coverage, ensuring every bite is packed with creamy, tangy flavor.
- Use high-quality vodka that you’d enjoy drinking, as its subtle flavor subtly enhances the sauce’s depth without overpowering other ingredients.
- Simmer sauce gently to prevent cream from separating, creating a smooth, silky texture that clings perfectly to pasta.
- Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes, making the dish adaptable for mild or heat-loving palates.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 67g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg