Penne alla Vodka
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
642 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian, Italian-American Fussion
Penne alla Vodka
Description
This recipe for Penne alla Vodka begins by sautéing diced onion in olive oil until translucent, then adding minced garlic and red pepper flakes for aroma and a touch of spice. Crushed tomatoes and vodka are added next, and the sauce simmers to let the alcohol cook off and the flavors meld while it reduces slightly.
Heavy cream is stirred in along with salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese to build a smooth, rich sauce. The penne pasta is cooked al dente separately, then combined with the sauce in the skillet to ensure even coating. Reserved pasta water can be added to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
The finished dish offers a creamy, slightly spicy tomato flavor with tender pasta and a cheesy undertone from Parmesan. It can be served as a comforting main course for lunch or dinner, pairing well with simple green salads or crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup white onion 1 small onion, diced, or yellow onion
- 2 teaspoons garlic about 2 cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes crushed
- 1 tablespoon basil dried
- 1 (28 ounce can) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese divided, grated
- 16 ounces penne pasta
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in 1 cup diced white or yellow onion and saute for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add in 2 teaspoons minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakesSauté for about 1 minute until garlic becomes fragrant.
- Mix in 1 tablespoon dried basil1 (28 ounce can) crushed tomatoes, and 1/2 cup vodka. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. Continue simmering for about 10 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly.
- Add in 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Simmer the sauce for an additional 5 minutes over medium-low heat.
- Turn off the heat and add 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until the cheese melts.
- Meanwhile, cook 16 ounces penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup pasta water.
- Add cooked penne pasta to the skillet and coat it well with the sauce. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Serve Penne alla Vodka hot, garnished with the remaining 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese for sprinkling over top.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 642 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 642kcal | 32% |
| Carbohydrates | 72g | 24% |
| Protein | 17g | 34% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 16g | 80% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 74mg | 25% |
| Sodium | 733mg | 31% |
| Potassium | 697mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 1288IU | 26% |
| Vitamin C | 15mg | 17% |
| Calcium | 199mg | 20% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.