Penne Alla Vodka

Penne Alla Vodka

6 servings
This classic Penne Alla Vodka recipe is easy to make with simple ingredients and the most flavorful vodka infused tomato sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ lb. Prosciutto

    roughly chopped

  • ¾ cup vodka
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic

    minced

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 chicken bouillon cube
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 28 oz. crushed tomatoes
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 1 lb. penne
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese

    grated. For serving

  • ¾ teaspoon basil
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon cold butter

Directions

  1. 1

    Measure out all ingredients before beginning.

  2. 2

    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.

Penne Alla Vodka

Penne Alla Vodka

45 min6 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving a classic Penne Alla Vodka that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant, but is surprisingly simple to make at home? This recipe brings that rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful experience right to your kitchen, proving you don't need a reservation for authentic taste.

Why This Penne Alla Vodka Works

This Penne Alla Vodka truly shines thanks to its thoughtfully balanced ingredients that build incredible depth. The savory kick of roughly chopped prosciutto is rendered before building the base, infusing the olive oil with a foundational flavor. Then, a generous ¾ cup of vodka is infused directly into the tomato sauce, developing a complexity that separates this dish from simple tomato cream sauces. A touch of honey and hot sauce cleverly balances the richness and acidity, while chicken broth and a bouillon cube ensure every bite is packed with savory goodness.

What you'll experience is a luxuriously creamy tomato sauce, vibrant and slightly sweet from crushed tomatoes, with a subtle underlying warmth from the hot sauce and red pepper flakes. The texture is velvety, perfectly coating each al dente piece of penne pasta. The prosciutto adds a delightful salty, savory counterpoint, making this a comforting yet sophisticated meal. It’s a satisfying dish that feels indulgent without being overly heavy, perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.

Customization & Variations

Tailor this recipe to your liking by adjusting the spice level; feel free to increase or decrease the hot sauce and red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. While the prosciutto adds a fantastic layer of savory depth, you can omit it if desired, though the flavor profile will shift slightly. For extra aromatic notes, consider adjusting the amount of garlic or basil to taste. Don't forget that final sprinkle of Parmesan cheese at the table for an added salty, umami finish.

This Penne Alla Vodka is a heartwarming and elegant dish, perfect for a family dinner or entertaining friends. Serve it simply with extra grated Parmesan cheese on top, allowing the rich sauce to be the star.

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