Penne with Sun Dried Tomato Vodka Sauce
Elevate your pasta night with this Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Vodka Sauce, a luxurious and flavor-packed dish that strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and ease. Tender penne pasta is coated in a creamy vodka sauce bursting with the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, and the depth of garlic and onion. The sauce, enriched with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, is simmered to perfection for a velvety finish, while fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous note. Ideal for date nights or dinner parties, this recipe comes together in just 45 minutes and serves four generously. Whether you're a pasta enthusiast or simply looking for a comforting yet elegant meal, this dish is sure to impress.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and chopped)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic cloves (minced)
- 0.5 cup vodka
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 2 minutes.
Pour in the vodka and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently on medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it to your desired consistency.
Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil leaves and additional parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
801 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 44.1 g | 57% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.7 g | 99% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 78 mg | 26% | |
| Sodium | 1434 mg | 62% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 59.6 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.8 g | 31% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.5 g | ||
| Protein | 23.3 g | 47% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 398 mg | 31% | |
| Iron | 3.6 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 813 mg | 17% | |
*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.
