Penne alla Vodka
Penne alla Vodka is a delightful Italian-American dish, perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive gathering. The creamy sauce, infused with the robustness of crushed tomatoes and a touch of vodka, coats the penne pasta beautifully, creating a rich yet comforting meal. What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity; you can whip it up in around 40 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or when you crave something hearty and delicious.
Table of Contents
I first stumbled upon Penne alla Vodka during a late-night dinner at a quaint Italian restaurant. I fell in love with the silky texture and balanced flavors. Since then, it has become a staple in my kitchen, always receiving rave reviews from family and friends. The combination of fresh garlic, aromatic onions, and the kick of red pepper flakes create a flavor profile that is both familiar and unique. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to return to it time and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: In just about 30 minutes, you can have a delightful meal ready for the table.
- Irresistible Flavor: The balance of creamy, tangy, and a hint of spicy creates a truly satisfying dish.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors and elegant presentation will impress anyone, making it perfect for entertaining.
- Flexible Serving: Great for a cozy date night or a dinner party with friends; it fits any occasion beautifully.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for vegetarians or those looking to enjoy a lighter meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 oz penne pasta: A great pasta shape that holds sauce well. You can substitute with rigatoni or ziti if needed.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This adds richness and flavor. Extra virgin olive oil elevates the taste.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Provides sweetness and depth. Use a shallot for a milder option.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Essential for that aromatic base; fresh garlic is best for flavor.
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes: This forms the heart of the sauce. Stewed tomatoes can be used for a chunkier texture.
- 1/2 cup vodka: Adds depth and complexity to the sauce. Feel free to use less if you prefer a milder flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a subtle kick! Adjust to your heat preference or omit entirely.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce creamy and luscious. Half-and-half can be used for a lighter option but may alter richness.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: A must for authentic flavor. Pecorino Romano can be a great alternative.
- Fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish): Adds a fresh, aromatic touch at the end.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing flavors.
How to Make Penne alla Vodka
Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 12 oz penne pasta and cook per package instructions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta, but reserve 1 cup of pasta water; set the pasta aside for now.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. This foundational step creates a lovely base for your sauce.
Add Vodka: Carefully pour in 1/2 cup vodka and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, reducing the liquid by half. This helps to cook off the alcohol while infusing the sauce with flavor—don’t skip this step!
Incorporate Tomatoes: Add 28 oz crushed tomatoes and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes. The sauce will thicken and the flavors will deepen. You’ll want to stir occasionally to keep it from sticking.
Finish the Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is smooth and silky. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked penne into the creamy vodka sauce, mixing gently. If the sauce appears too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach a desired creamy consistency. Before serving, garnish with torn fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover Penne alla Vodka in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re looking to keep it longer, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, place in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave until warm, adding a splash of cream or a bit of reserved pasta water to refresh the sauce’s texture if needed.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- To avoid mushy pasta, be sure to cook it only until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
- For a creamier sauce, allow it to simmer for an additional minute after adding the cream, stirring constantly.
- Feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes for your heat preference; you can start with a pinch and add more if you like spice.
- Using freshly grated parmesan makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture compared to pre-grated cheese.
- If you want to add protein, consider cooked chicken or shrimp to the mix!
Penne alla Vodka is a dish that beautifully balances comfort and sophistication. It’s creamy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, making it a fantastic addition to your home-cooking repertoire. So gather your ingredients, pour yourself a glass of wine, and enjoy the satisfaction that comes with crafting a dish that impresses and warms the heart.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Penne alla Vodka without vodka?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use vodka, you can replace it with extra broth or an additional splash of crushed tomatoes. While it won’t have the same depth of flavor, it will still be delicious.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can enhance the flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic for added texture and color.
How do I prevent my sauce from separating?
To keep your creamy sauce from separating, ensure your heat is low when you add the cream, and don’t let it boil after mixing. Stirring constantly helps maintain a smooth texture.
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📖 Recipe Card
Penne alla Vodka
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Penne alla Vodka is a delightful dish featuring tender penne pasta coated in a creamy, flavorful sauce made with vodka and crushed tomatoes. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish)
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set the pasta aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Carefully pour in the vodka, letting it simmer and reduce by half for 3-5 minutes, allowing flavors to develop without overpowering the sauce.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer gently for 10-12 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors deepen.
- Lower the heat and add the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Mix until the sauce is silky and smooth, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the cooked penne in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as necessary to reach the desired consistency. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
For a spicier flavor, adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste.
Ensure to reserve pasta water to help achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
Fresh basil adds a lovely aromatic touch; feel free to add more for additional flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 512
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
