Instant Pot Penne Alla Vodka
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Calories
457 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Instant Pot Penne Alla Vodka
Description
This recipe starts by sautéing diced onions, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in olive oil using the Instant Pot's sauté function, followed by adding vodka to reduce its sharpness. Penne pasta is then layered under a tomato puree rather than mixed, ensuring even cooking during pressure cooking. Salt and water are added before sealing and cooking the pasta under high pressure for 4 minutes, followed by a quick release.
After cooking, the addition of heavy cream softens the acidity of the tomato and vodka base, while parsley and Parmigiano Reggiano add herbaceous and savory depth. The sauce becomes creamy and richly flavored, coating each penne piece.
Practical tips include ensuring most pasta is submerged in liquid, careful layering of sauce, and adjusting pressure cook times to match pasta type or desired texture. Cream is added after cooking to preserve its texture and flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta
- 28 oz marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion diced, small
- 6 garlic minced, cloves
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- ½ cup vodka
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup parmigiano reggiano grated
- ¼ cup parsley chopped
Instructions
- Turn the Instant Pot to Saute mode and heat oil.
- Add onions, garlic and red pepper flakes. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes with a glass lid on.
- Add vodka, mix well and cook for another 2 minutes to reduce down the vodka.
- Add pasta, water, and salt. Stir well, making sure to push most of the pasta under the liquids. Layer over the tomato puree or sauce and DO NOT mix. Close the Instant Pot and pressure cook for 4 minutes followed by Quick Release.
- Stir in cream. Add parsley and grated cheese. Mix well and serve hot.
Notes
- Ensure enough water and liquids are added so most of the pasta is submerged for even cooking.
- Layer marinara sauce on top of the pasta and avoid mixing before pressure cooking to preserve texture.
- Adjust pressure cooking time based on pasta type and preferred doneness, using half the box's recommended time for well-cooked pasta, less for al dente.
- Add heavy cream after pressure cooking to maintain its consistency and richness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 1Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 457 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 457kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 66g | 22% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 25mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 1141mg | 48% |
| Potassium | 475mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 1207IU | 24% |
| Vitamin C | 15mg | 17% |
| Calcium | 98mg | 10% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.