Spicy Penne alla Vodka Recipe
This dish is for those who think regular Penne alla Vodka is too mild and need a fiery kick. The creamy tomato sauce clings to the pasta while the heat sneaks up and reminds you who’s boss. Vodka deepens the flavors, but don’t worry, you won’t get tipsy—unless you sip from the bottle. The result? A bold, restaurant-worthy meal with just enough spice to make you question your life choices. Pair it with crusty bread, a cold drink, and a fire extinguisher (just in case).
Spicy Penne alla Vodka Recipe
A creamy vodka-infused pasta with a fiery chili kick.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- ¼ cup vodka
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- Boil pasta: Cook penne in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant.
- Deglaze with vodka: Pour in vodka, let it simmer for a minute to burn off alcohol.
- Add tomatoes: Stir in crushed tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Turn up the heat: Mix in cayenne pepper for an extra spicy kick.
- Make it creamy: Lower heat, add heavy cream, and stir until combined.
- Finish the sauce: Toss in butter, Parmesan, and pasta water. Stir until smooth.
- Mix it up: Add cooked penne and toss until coated.
- Garnish and serve: Top with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: 490
- Total Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
Vitamin & Mineral Content (Per Serving)
- Calcium: 15%
- Iron: 9%
- Vitamin A: 10%
- Potassium: 8%
- Magnesium: 6%
Flavor-Boosting Tips
- Use high-quality vodka for better depth of flavor.
- Add more red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Stir in a touch of honey to balance the heat.
