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Fresh Tomato Basil Penne alla Vodka
5 from 15 votes

Fresh Tomato Basil Penne alla Vodka

This penne alla vodka features fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, and basil cooked in olive oil, then combined with vodka and heavy cream to create a creamy, light tomato sauce. The sauce coats tender al dente penne pasta, offering a balanced blend of tangy tomato, mild heat from red pepper flakes, and aromatic basil. The use of fresh seasonings and the gentle simmering of tomatoes helps develop a fresh yet slightly rich flavor.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 8 garlic large cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes use less if you don't like spice
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ground
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 4 pints cherry tomato any large should be cut in half
  • 1/2 cup vodka 113 grams; use 2/3 cup for a more vodka dominant sauce
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream 170 grams
  • 1 cup basil fresh, coarsely chopped
  • Parmesan Cheese freshly grated, for serving

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Place a large pot of water over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Add in a dash of salt, then add in the pasta and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, or until al dente. Reserve a 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the penne and place into a bowl until needed. 
  2. In the meantime, heat oil in a 12" skillet or large saucepan over medium-heat. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Then stir in the salt, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and sugar, and cook for another 30 seconds.
  3. Add in the tomatoes and stir to coat. Cook the tomatoes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes burst and release their juices to form a sauce, about 10 t0 12 minutes. If any tomatoes don't burst, lightly press on the with a spoon to help them along.  
  4. Remove pan from heat, and stir in the vodka. Then stir in the heavy cream. Return to stovetop and stir in the basil. 
  5. Toss pasta with with tomato sauce and let simmer for 2 minutes. Then remove from heat and serve warm, with freshly grated parmesan cheese. 

Notes

  • If using a gas stove, add the vodka off heat to avoid possible flame flare-ups.