Zia Francesca's Penne alla Vodka
User Reviews
4.8
183 reviews
Excellent
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
5
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Calories
682 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Zia Francesca's Penne alla Vodka
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One of the easiest, but tastiest pasta recipes you'll ever make. Get ready for rave reviews.
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Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (good quality)
- 5 cloves garlic smashed with the flat part of a knife blade
- ⅓ cup pancetta cut into small pieces (omit for vegetarian)
- 1 small bunch Italian parsley chopped
- 26 oz Italian tomato puree (good quality)
- ⅛ tsp sea salt to taste
- ¼ cup vodka (good quality)
- 2 oz heavy cream (preferably organic)
- 5 leaves basil
- 1 lb pasta (good quality)
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the penne according to the instructions on the box. It is important to use enough water, and to add the pasta only when the water is boiling; stir often to avoid the pasta sticking (do not add oil to the water, it is unecessary.)
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil over medium to med-high heat in a very large, deep sauté pan, then add the pancetta and cook for a minute or two, then add the garlic.
- When the garlic just begins to brown, add the chopped parsley, and turn the burner up to high. After a minute or so (when the pan is very hot), add the tomato puree and have the lid ready in case it bubbles out of the pan, then stir quickly with a wooden spoon.
- Do not cook the sauce with the lid on, lower the heat, but cook the sauce so it is briskly simmering (this is a quick sauce, not one which simmers low and long.)
- Add salt and continue to stir often, making sure it doesn't dry up.
- After approximately 7 or 8 minutes, when the sauce has started to thicken, check for salt, then add the vodka and stir well.
- Add the cream, and stir well. Once it comes to a simmer, turn off the heat.
- Last, but not least, stir in the chopped basil.
- When the pasta is ready (make sure it is al dente), drain it in a colander, but reserve some pasta water. Add the pasta to the vodka sauce and stir well. Add pasta water as needed.
- If this is a weeknight meal, I just serve it from the pot, and add a little sauce to each plate. If you are serving to guests, prepare a large pasta bowl, by warming it with very hot water, then add the pasta with sauce, and top with more sauce and a sprig of basil, or some chopped Italian parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Be sure to keep some pasta water to use in the final step.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Serving
1bowl
Calories
682kcal
(34%)
Carbohydrates
83g
(28%)
Protein
17g
(34%)
Fat
29g
(45%)
Saturated Fat
7g
(35%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
4g
Monounsaturated Fat
16g
Trans Fat
0.02g
Cholesterol
23mg
(8%)
Sodium
220mg
(9%)
Potassium
968mg
(28%)
Fiber
6g
(24%)
Sugar
10g
(20%)
Vitamin A
1911IU
(38%)
Vitamin C
32mg
(36%)
Calcium
76mg
(8%)
Iron
5mg
(28%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 5Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 682 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1bowl | |
| Calories | 682kcal | 34% |
| Carbohydrates | 83g | 28% |
| Protein | 17g | 34% |
| Fat | 29g | 45% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 16g | 80% |
| Trans Fat | 0.02g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 23mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 220mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 968mg | 21% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 1911IU | 38% |
| Vitamin C | 32mg | 36% |
| Calcium | 76mg | 8% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
183 reviews
Excellent
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