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Penne Alla Vodka
4.9 from 64 votes

Penne Alla Vodka

Penne Alla Vodka is a rich pasta dish featuring pan-cooked prosciutto deglazed with vodka, which reduces to soften its edge. The sauce combines tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and cream with butter and garlic, seasoned with basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, honey, and hot sauce for nuanced flavor. The tender penne pasta is tossed in this creamy sauce, garnished with Parmesan cheese.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 665 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, American

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ lb. prosciutto roughly chopped
  • ¾ cup vodka
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 chicken bouillon cube
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 28 oz. crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 lb. penne pasta
  • 1 cup water reserved pasta water
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese grated. For serving
Seasonings
  • ¾ teaspoon basil
  • ½ teaspoon oregano dried
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
For Serving
  • 1 tablespoon butter cold

Instructions

Prep Work
    Cup of Yum
  1. Measure out all ingredients before beginning.
  2. Take a measuring cup (1 cup or larger) and place it in the colander that you’ll use to drain your pasta, this will remind you to save some of the pasta water when that step arrives.
Make the Sauce/Pasta
  1. Heat olive oil over medium heat and add the prosciutto. Cook until it begins to brown, 2-3 minutes, then set aside and roughly chop once cooled.
  2. Turn the heat off and add the vodka. Set the heat to medium and use a silicone spatula to clean the bottom and sides of the skillet (there may not be a ton of remnants from the meat, that’s okay)! Let it bubble gently and reduce by half, about 4-5 minutes (or until you can no longer smell alcohol).
  3. Add the butter and garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add the tomato paste, chicken broth, chicken bouillon, honey, hot sauce, seasonings, and cooked prosciutto. Stir to combine.
  4. Add the crushed tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it bubble gently and reduce, partially covered while you start to boil salted water for the pasta.
  5. Once a boil is reached, cook the penne for 1 minute less than al dente. Drain and reserve some of the pasta water.
  6. Reduce heat to low. Stir the cream into the sauce until combined, then add the cooked penne and stir to combine.
  7. Add pasta water as needed to control the consistency. It will add a creamy finish and help the pasta cling onto the sauce.
  8. Remove from heat and swirl in 1 tablespoon of cold butter prior to serving. (This is optional, it adds a smooth, sparkly finish.)
  9. Serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese!

Notes

  • Prosciutto adds fond deglazed by vodka; pancetta, ham, or bacon make good substitutes.
  • Use penne lisce or rigate depending on sauce adherence preference.
  • Store tomato paste tubes in the fridge to avoid waste and save measurement hassles.
  • Grate Parmesan from block for best flavor over pre-grated cheese.
  • Hot sauce and honey add subtle enhancing layers without overt spice or sweetness.
  • Optional ingredients: mushrooms, diced tomatoes, basil, spinach brighten or enhance texture.
  • Serve with baked meatballs and garlic bread with cheese for a full meal.
  • For meatless version use vegetable broth and omit prosciutto.
  • Store leftovers in airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.
  • Freeze sauce alone for better texture when reheating; boil fresh pasta to serve.

Nutrition Information

Calories 665kcal (33%) Carbohydrates 71g (24%) Protein 18g (36%) Fat 32g (49%) Saturated Fat 16g (80%) Polyunsaturated Fat 3g (18%) Monounsaturated Fat 10g (50%) Trans Fat 0.3g (15%) Cholesterol 74mg (25%) Sodium 653mg (27%) Potassium 709mg (15%) Fiber 5g (20%) Sugar 10g (20%) Vitamin A 1145IU (23%) Vitamin C 14mg (16%) Calcium 166mg (17%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6 people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 665

% Daily Value*

Calories 665kcal 33%
Carbohydrates 71g 24%
Protein 18g 36%
Fat 32g 49%
Saturated Fat 16g 80%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g 18%
Monounsaturated Fat 10g 50%
Trans Fat 0.3g 15%
Cholesterol 74mg 25%
Sodium 653mg 27%
Potassium 709mg 15%
Fiber 5g 20%
Sugar 10g 20%
Vitamin A 1145IU 23%
Vitamin C 14mg 16%
Calcium 166mg 17%
Iron 3mg 17%

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