Penne alla Vodka
is a creamy, rich pasta dish made with al dente penne, a flavorful tomato and vodka-based sauce, and a touch of heavy cream for smoothness. Perfectly balanced with garlic, onions, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil, this classic Italian-American recipe is simple to make and absolutely delicious.
Here’s a recipe for Penne alla Vodka with ingredients and method organized in a table:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Penne pasta | 12 oz (340 g) |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 small |
| Vodka | 1/4 cup (60 ml) |
| Tomato paste | 1/4 cup (60 g) |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 cup (240 ml) |
| Heavy cream | 1/2 cup (120 ml) |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 1/2 cup (50 g) + extra for garnish |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fresh basil (chopped) | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside. |
| Step 2 | In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until soft and fragrant. |
| Step 3 | Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes to deepen the flavor. |
| Step 4 | Add vodka to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced. |
| Step 5 | Mix in crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. |
| Step 6 | Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If needed, use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency. |
| Step 7 | Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving. |
