Classic Penne alla Vodka Recipe
A creamy, rich pasta with a bold tomato-vodka sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- ¼ cup vodka
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 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.
- 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: 480
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
Vitamin & Mineral Content (Per Serving)
- Calcium: 15%
- Iron: 10%
- Vitamin A: 12%
- Potassium: 8%
- Magnesium: 7%
Flavor-Boosting Tips
- Use high-quality vodka for better depth of flavor.
- Add pancetta for a smoky kick.
- Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for extra sharpness.
- Stir in a knob of butter before serving for a silky finish.