5 from 18 votes
Penne alla Vodka
Penne alla Vodka is a creamy pasta dish featuring penne pasta coated in a sauce made with crushed tomatoes, vodka, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, flavored with onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, and dried basil. The sauce simmers to develop a slightly thickened texture with a rich, balanced flavor that combines tomato acidity, creaminess, and mild heat.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings:
6
servings
Calories:
642 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian, Italian-American Fussion
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.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 642
% 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.