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Easy Penne Pasta Recipe
If you’ve enjoyed vodka sauce penne at your favorite Italian restaurant, you know how creamy and delicious it is. You can easily prepare this dish at home as well! Just follow the instructions in this recipe for perfect results every time.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 6 servings (including pasta)
Calories: 468 kcal
Course:
Others
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste (optional)
- 1/3 cup vodka 3 oz
- 28 ounces canned whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- salt and pepper or to taste
- 3/4 cup half and half or ½ cup whipping cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound penne pasta or other pasta
- grated parmesan for serving
- fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Place a large skillet over medium heat (see note). Add the oil followed by the garlic, onions and red pepper flakes. Cook for 4-5 minutes until soft, stirring regularly to prevent sticking.
- Add the vodka and tomatoes to the pan. Stir and continue cooking for 5-7 minutes more until the sauce has reduced somewhat.
- Add the tomato paste, salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and simmer partially covered for 15-20 minutes until reduced by about half. Stir occasionally.
- While the sauce is simmering, you can cook the pasta in boiling salted water, following the package directions. Drain, toss with a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Transfer the sauce to a blender or food processor. Purée for about 5 to 10 seconds until smooth.
- Add the pureed sauce back to the skillet. With the heat on medium-low, add in the half and half or cream. Stir gently for a minute or two until it starts to bubble.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese. Then toss with the cooked pasta until coated completely. Garnish with extra parmesan and optional parsley or basil before serving.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Calories
468kcal
(23%)
Carbohydrates
67g
(22%)
Net Carbohydrates
63g
Protein
14g
(28%)
Fat
13g
(20%)
Saturated Fat
4g
(20%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
7g
Cholesterol
14mg
(5%)
Sodium
309mg
(13%)
Potassium
539mg
(15%)
Fiber
4g
(16%)
Sugar
8g
(16%)
Vitamin A
364IU
(7%)
Vitamin C
16mg
(18%)
Calcium
136mg
(14%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings (including pasta)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 468
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 468kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 67g | 22% |
| Net Carbohydrates | 63g | |
| Protein | 14g | 28% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 14mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 309mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 539mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 364IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 16mg | 18% |
| Calcium | 136mg | 14% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.