Fabulous Penne a La Vodka
Indulge in the creamy decadence of Fabulous Penne a La Vodka, a classic Italian-American pasta dish that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication. This recipe combines tender penne pasta with a luscious vodka-infused tomato cream sauce, enhanced by the subtle warmth of red pepper flakes and the richness of Parmesan cheese. Sautéed onions and garlic create an aromatic base, while a splash of vodka adds a subtle depth to the vibrant crushed tomatoes. Finished with a swirl of heavy cream and a sprinkling of fresh basil, this one-pot wonder is easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Serve it piping hot for a restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 450 grams penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 60 milliliters vodka
- 400 grams crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 120 milliliters heavy cream
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 60 grams grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 4 leaves fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted and shimmering.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the vodka and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off while reducing slightly.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, mixing until the sauce becomes rich and creamy.
Add the cooked penne to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce. If needed, stir in a spoonful of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again until well incorporated.
Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3018 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 118.0 g | 151% | |
| Saturated Fat | 53.2 g | 266% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 230 mg | 77% | |
| Sodium | 3823 mg | 166% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 370.0 g | 135% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.8 g | 92% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.8 g | ||
| Protein | 86.5 g | 173% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 782 mg | 60% | |
| Iron | 19.6 mg | 109% | |
| Potassium | 2016 mg | 43% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
