Penne with Creamy Vodka Sauce
Indulge in the velvety richness of Penne with Creamy Vodka Sauce, a timeless Italian-American classic that combines elegance and comfort in every bite. This recipe features tender penne pasta luxuriously coated in a silky, tomato-based vodka sauce infused with the warmth of garlic, a hint of red pepper flakes, and a touch of cream for irresistible smoothness. Finished with melted Parmesan and butter, this dish achieves a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and creamy flavors. A sprinkle of fresh basil and extra cheese adds a fresh, aromatic finish, making it an ideal choice for date nights or cozy family dinners. Quick to prepare in just 40 minutes, this restaurant-quality dish is an ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. Keywords: penne with vodka sauce, creamy pasta recipes, Italian-American pasta dish, easy weeknight dinner, pasta with tomato cream sauce.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Penne pasta
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 28 oz Crushed tomatoes
- 0.5 cup Vodka
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Pour in the vodka and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate, while stirring occasionally.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Continue simmering the sauce for another 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and butter, allowing them to melt into the sauce.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper, if needed.
Serve the penne with creamy vodka sauce hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3475 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 173.2 g | 222% | |
| Saturated Fat | 87.8 g | 439% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 397 mg | 132% | |
| Sodium | 4327 mg | 188% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 304.4 g | 111% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.7 g | 88% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.9 g | ||
| Protein | 96.6 g | 193% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1511 mg | 116% | |
| Iron | 18.3 mg | 102% | |
| Potassium | 2642 mg | 56% | |
*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.
