Description
Creamy Penne Alla Vodka is a rich and comforting Italian pasta dish featuring a smooth tomato and cream sauce infused with a splash of vodka. It’s an elegant yet easy meal perfect for weeknights or dinner parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the vodka and simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the alcohol cook off.
- Add tomato sauce, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in heavy cream and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and heated through.
- Mix in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked penne to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
- Vodka enhances the creaminess and flavor but can be omitted or replaced with broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- For added protein, stir in cooked sausage, pancetta, or grilled chicken.
- Use crushed red pepper flakes to adjust the spice level to your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 60mg