Penne alla Vodka
A creamy, rich, and flavorful pasta dish with penne, tomato, vodka, cream, and Parmesan. This classic Italian-American favorite is quick to prepare and perfect for weeknights, date nights, or family gatherings.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
- Colander
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 cup tomato puree
- ½ cup vodka
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- salt and black pepper to taste
- fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta until al dente (8–10 minutes). Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and golden.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in vodka and simmer for 2–3 minutes, reducing the alcohol while scraping the pan.
- Stir in tomato puree and simmer for 5 minutes to thicken and deepen flavor.
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream. Cook for 3–4 minutes until creamy. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage for protein. For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream and nutritional yeast.