Creamy Penne alla Vodka Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
482 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Condiments, Lunch, Dinner
Creamy Penne alla Vodka Recipe
Description
The Creamy Penne alla Vodka recipe begins by softening onions in olive oil and adding garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes, which build layers of flavor. Vodka is then simmered into this mixture to reduce its alcohol content and deepen the sauce. Tomato paste and whole plum tomatoes add body and acidity, while simmering allows the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
Blending the sauce smooth before adding heavy cream ensures a silky texture that evenly coats the tubular pasta. Cooking penne al dente maintains the right bite to complement the creamy sauce. Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, savory element that ties the dish together, with fresh basil or parsley providing bright herbal notes optionally.
This penne dish suits a casual dinner with a satisfying combination of creamy and tomato tang. The mild heat from red pepper flakes subtly enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the palate. The recipe includes adjustments for canned tomato types and emphasizes cooking steps to remove alcohol flavor from vodka.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion chopped, small
- 2 garlic minced, cloves
- ½ teaspoon oregano dried
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- ½ cup vodka
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 (28-ounces) plum tomatoes San Marzano, canned whole
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 12 ounces pasta tubed like penne or rigatoni
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese plus extra for serving, freshly grated
- basil optional, chopped fresh, or parsley to garnish
Instructions
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions become translucent, about 4 -5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, oregano, and pepper flakes and cook for just a minute. Season lightly with salt and ground black pepper.
- Add the vodka and simmer for about 3-4 minutes or until the mixture is reduced by half.
- Add the tomato paste and the whole tomatoes and their liquid into the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring often, while crushing the tomatoes roughly with a wooden spoon, until the sauce has thickened, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and mix to combine.
- Transfer the sauce to a blender or a food processor fitted with a steel blade and puree until smooth.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions, until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Return the sauce to the pot and simmer over low heat, partially covered for about 6-8 minutes. Season to taste.
- Add the pasta to the sauce and about ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water. Cook stirring constantly for about 2 minutes or until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. If the sauce thickens too much, add additional pasta water.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately sprinkled with extra Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh basil or parsley (if desired).
Notes
- Use extra virgin olive oil for flavor depth in the sauce.
- Simmer the vodka thoroughly to eliminate alcohol taste before adding tomato ingredients.
- If San Marzano tomatoes are unavailable, substitute with whole plum tomatoes.
- Crushed tomatoes can replace whole tomatoes if preferred.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 482 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 482kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 46g | 15% |
| Protein | 12g | 24% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 62mg | 21% |
| Sodium | 170mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 229mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 724IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 140mg | 14% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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