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Penne Alla Vodka

Creamy and delicious penne alla vodka made from scratch. Don't forget to check out the step by step photos and tips above.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 6 - 8 servings
Calories: 444 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1½ cups diced yellow onion
  • 1½ tsp. kosher salt divided
  • ½ tsp. ground black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup vodka
  • 1 28 oz. can whole tomatoes crushed
  • 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
  • 16 oz. dried penne pasta
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus additional for garnish
  • Chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat; add onion, ½ teaspoon salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes.
  3. Add vodka; cook, stirring to release browned bits from bottom of pan.
  4. Add tomatoes and tomato paste to pan. Bring to a simmer; reduce heat to medium low. Stir
  5. in remaining 1 teaspoon salt; simmer until flavors meld, about 25 minutes.
  6. Cook pasta in a pot of boiling salted water until package directions for al dente.
  7. Reserve 1 cup pasta water; set aside. Drain pasta in a colander.
  8. Remove tomato sauce from heat. Stir cream and ½ cup Parmesan cheese until combined.
  9. Add reserved pasta water, ¼ cup at a time, to loosen sauce.
  10. Garnish servings with grated Parmesan cheese and herbs.

Notes

  • Don’t have any penne? No problem! This recipe works with basically any pasta. It’s great with rigatoni, elbow macaroni, bucatini, or just regular spaghetti. Basically, if it’s in your pantry and labeled “pasta,” it’s perfect for this recipe.
  • Whether you use whole tomatoes or crushed tomatoes try to use high-quality ones such as San Marzano for the best tasting sauce.
  • Fresh ingredients really take this vodka sauce to another level so make sure to use fresh garlic and herbs.
  • Use reserved pasta water to emulsify the sauce if it's too thick, it'll also add additional flavor.

Nutrition Information

Calories 444kcal (22%) Carbohydrates 35g (12%) Protein 10g (20%) Fat 20g (31%) Saturated Fat 7g (35%) Cholesterol 35mg (12%) Sodium 663mg (28%) Potassium 488mg (14%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 1571IU (31%) Vitamin C 23mg (26%) Calcium 140mg (14%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6- 8 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 444

% Daily Value*

Calories 444kcal 22%
Carbohydrates 35g 12%
Protein 10g 20%
Fat 20g 31%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Cholesterol 35mg 12%
Sodium 663mg 28%
Potassium 488mg 10%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 6g 12%
Vitamin A 1571IU 31%
Vitamin C 23mg 26%
Calcium 140mg 14%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.