Description
Penne alla Vodka is a rich and creamy Italian pasta dish made with tomatoes, vodka, cream, and parmesan, creating a silky, flavorful sauce that perfectly coats al dente penne.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion until soft.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the vodka and cook for 3–4 minutes until mostly evaporated.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat and add heavy cream, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth.
- Add Parmesan, salt, and pepper, stirring until melted.
- Toss the cooked penne into the sauce, adding pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Stir in butter for extra richness, garnish with basil, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier sauce, increase the red pepper flakes.
- Use high-quality vodka for the cleanest flavor.
- Can substitute tomato paste mixed with a little water if you want a thicker sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 65mg