Name: Penne alla Vodka
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 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; fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish); salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Penne alla Vodka is a delightful Italian-American dish that seamlessly combines the rich flavors of vodka and cream with perfectly cooked penne pasta. The vibrant color of the sauce, coupled with a hint of peppery warmth, creates a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and sophisticated. When you take a bite, the smoothness of the sauce coats each piece of pasta, inviting you to savor every mouthful. It’s a dish that’s not just about filling your stomach; it’s about indulging in a moment of culinary bliss.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Penne alla Vodka
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Penne alla Vodka

I first made Penne alla Vodka during a cozy evening with friends, in need of something delicious yet uncomplicated. It turned out to be a huge hit! The blend of flavors, the creamy texture, and the beautiful presentation transformed a simple weekday dinner into a restaurant-quality meal right at home. You could say that this recipe has become my go-to for impressing guests or, honestly, just treating myself. I mean, it’s easy, budget-friendly, and an absolute crowd-pleaser. If you’re keen to whip up something incredible tonight, let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip up this dish in just about 40 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of crushed tomatoes, vodka, and cream creates a rich, silky sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant red sauce over the penne pasta not only looks fantastic but also makes for a photogenic meal you’ll want to share.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a main dish for dinner, or pair it with some garlic bread for an unforgettable meal with friends.
Diet-Friendly Options: This dish can be tailored to be gluten-free by using gluten-free penne pasta.

Ingredients You’ll Need

12 oz penne pasta: This tubular shape holds the sauce perfectly, ensuring each bite is just as flavorful as the last.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a fragrant, fruitiness that enhances the overall flavor.
1 small onion, finely chopped: Onion provides a foundation of sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic adds a necessary aromatic quality that rounds out the dish.
28 oz crushed tomatoes: Use high-quality crushed tomatoes for a robust base of the sauce; San Marzano tomatoes are a great option.
1/2 cup vodka: A key ingredient that enhances the flavors and adds depth to the sauce. Don’t worry; most of the alcohol cooks off!
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: A small amount adds a pleasant kick without overwhelming the dish.
1/2 cup heavy cream: This makes the sauce rich and creamy. For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half.
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully into the sauce, offering a sharp contrast to the creamy base.
Fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish): Add a pop of color and fresh flavor that elevates the presentation of the dish.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors in your sauce.

How to Make Penne alla Vodka

Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the 12 oz penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of that precious pasta water, and then set the pasta aside.

Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until the onion is soft and fragrant.

Add the Vodka: Carefully pour in 1/2 cup of vodka, allowing it to simmer and reduce by half. This step should take about 3-5 minutes and helps to deepen the flavors without overpowering the sauce.

Incorporate the Tomatoes and Spices: Add the 28 oz of crushed tomatoes along with 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10-12 minutes. This will allow the sauce to thicken and develop a rich flavor.

Cream it Up: Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese (you want that lovely cheese melting right in). Mix until the sauce reaches a silky and smooth consistency—this shouldn’t take longer than a couple of minutes. Taste your sauce and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.

Combine the Pasta: It’s time for the penne to join the party! Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed until you reach your desired consistency. You might not need the entire cup, but a few tablespoons can help loosen the sauce beautifully.

Finish and Serve: Finally, garnish the dish with torn fresh basil leaves for that extra flavor and color. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, delightful goodness that is Penne alla Vodka.

Storing & Reheating

You can store leftover Penne alla Vodka in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, refrigerate it for 3-5 days. If you wish to freeze it, pack it in a freezable container for up to 3 months. When reheating, just warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore its creamy texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the penne; it should be al dente, so it holds up well when mixed with the sauce.
If using dried herbs, a teaspoon of dried basil can complement the sauce, but fresh herbs are always the best option.
To enhance flavor, consider let your sauce simmer longer if time permits; it helps deepen the taste.
When adding vodka, ensure the heat is controlled so you don’t burn off all the alcohol too quickly; a gentle simmer is key.
Make ahead by preparing the sauce a day in advance; just add the pasta before serving!

If you’re in need of a comforting yet elegant dish, Penne alla Vodka checks all the boxes. With its creamy tomato sauce and delightful flavor, it’s bound to be a family favorite. Don’t hesitate to play around with the ingredients to make it your own—perhaps some sautéed mushrooms or spinach? The possibilities are endless, and you’re sure to enjoy it every time you sit down to this pasta creation. Get ready to savor and share this comforting dish at any gathering or cozy night in!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make Penne alla Vodka without vodka?

Absolutely! If you prefer not to use vodka, you can replace it with additional broth or a splash of white wine. The flavor profile may be different, but you’ll still achieve a lovely sauce.

How can I make this dish vegan?

To make this dish vegan, use plant-based cream in place of heavy cream and substitute the Parmesan cheese for a vegan alternative. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor!

What should I serve with Penne alla Vodka?

Penne alla Vodka pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a crisp green salad. You might also enjoy it alongside your favorite protein, like grilled chicken or shrimp.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and then cook the pasta and mix it before serving. Just be sure to save some pasta water to loosen the sauce when combining!

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Penne alla Vodka

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

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Description

Penne alla Vodka blends creamy sauce and vibrant tomatoes for an easy, flavorful dish. Perfect for a quick dinner that everyone will love, combining simple ingredients like vodka and parmesan for an irresistible taste.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
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
fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish)
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water, setting the pasta aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Carefully pour in the vodka and simmer for 3-5 minutes until reduced by half to enhance the flavors of the sauce.
Add the crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes to the skillet, gently simmering for 10-12 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors deepen.
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce becomes silky and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss the cooked penne into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as necessary to reach the desired consistency. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, allow the vodka to simmer longer during the reduction phase.
Feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spice level to your taste.