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Penne Alla Vodka Recipe

Penne Alla Vodka Recipe

A creamy Italian-American pasta dish made with penne pasta and a rich tomato vodka cream sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup vodka
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh basil chopped optional

Method
 

  1. Cook penne pasta according to package directions and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion until soft.
  3. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  4. Pour in vodka and simmer for about 2 minutes.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes and simmer for 8–10 minutes.
  6. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth.
  7. Toss cooked pasta with the sauce, adding pasta water if needed.
  8. Garnish with basil and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
  • Adjust the red pepper flakes to the desired spice level.
  • Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
  • Best served immediately for the creamiest texture.