Penne Ala Vodka
Indulge in the rich, creamy decadence of Penne Ala Vodka, a classic Italian-American pasta dish that's equal parts comfort food and sophisticated dining. Perfectly cooked al dente penne is enveloped in a luxurious vodka-infused tomato cream sauce, enhanced by the caramelized sweetness of tomato paste, aromatic garlic, and a hint of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. A splash of vodka adds depth to the sauce, while heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create a velvety finish. Topped with fresh basil and extra Parmesan for garnish, this recipe is a restaurant-quality meal made simple in your own kitchen. Ready in just 40 minutes, Penne Ala Vodka is perfect for date nights, family dinners, or whenever you're craving indulgent pasta perfection!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 0.5 cup vodka
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.75 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- 4 quarts water
- 2 tbsp kosher salt (for boiling water)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water (4 quarts) to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons of kosher salt to the boiling water and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and bubbling.
Add the finely diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the tomato paste to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it deepens in color and becomes slightly caramelized.
Slowly pour in the vodka, stirring to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the alcohol to cook off.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and smooth.
Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated. Season the sauce with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, adjusting to taste.
Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it thoroughly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil for a burst of flavor and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
690 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.2 g | 50% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.2 g | 101% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 91 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 3761 mg | 164% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 49.4 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.9 g | ||
| Protein | 15.2 g | 30% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 338 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 471 mg | 10% | |
*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.
