Penne alla Vodka Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
divided
- 1/2 medium yellow onion)
finely chopped (1 cup
- 4 garlic cloves
minced
- 3 Tbsp double-concentrated tomato paste
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 14 oz canned whole tomatoes
- or added to taste1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
plus more for the pasta water
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
plus more to serve
- 1 lb penne pasta
or rigatoni
- 1/2 cup pasta cooking water
or as needed
- Fresh parsley or basil leaves
torn or chopped to garnish
Directions
- 1
In a coated dutch oven or non-reactive pot over medium heat, add olive oil and onions and saute until softened, 5-6 minutes stirring occasionally. Add garlic and saute for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 2
Add tomato paste and Vodka and stir for 2 minutes until most of the vodka has evaporated out.
- 3
Add tomatoes, salt, and red pepper flakes. Mash up the tomatoes with your spatula and simmer the sauce partially covered over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, start cooking the pasta so it’s ready at the same time as your sauce.
- 4
Bring a large pot of water to a boil for pasta. Season pasta water generously with salt (it should have enough salt to taste like ocean water). Once the water has boiled, add pasta and stir several times to keep the pasta from sticking. Cook until al dente according to pasta instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
- 5
Stir whipping cream into the sauce then add shredded cheese and return to a simmer.
- 6
Add cooked pasta directly from the cooking water, adding a couple of Tbsp of pasta water at a time to make it saucier. Season with salt then serve garnished with more cheese if desired, parsley, or basil.
Penne alla Vodka Recipe
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About this Recipe
Craving a restaurant-quality pasta dish that's surprisingly easy to make at home? Our homemade Penne alla Vodka delivers on that promise, offering a deeply satisfying Italian-style meal perfect for any night of the week.
Why This Recipe Works This Penne alla Vodka stands out by building layers of rich flavor. It starts with finely chopped onion and garlic, then adds double-concentrated tomato paste for intense umami. The essential splash of vodka enhances the sauce's depth, while heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create an irresistibly smooth and luxurious finish.
What to Expect Prepare for a comforting and vibrant pasta experience. You'll savor tender penne coated in a velvety, tomato-based sauce that carries a subtle warmth from crushed red pepper flakes. The sauce is creamy and rich, balanced by the bright tang of whole canned tomatoes, making each bite utterly delightful. Fresh parsley or basil brightens the dish with a final herbaceous flourish.
Customization & Variations Feel free to adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your desired level of heat. If you don't have penne on hand, rigatoni is a fantastic alternative that holds the creamy sauce beautifully. For an extra touch of richness, you can always add more Parmesan cheese when serving.
Serving & Context This Penne alla Vodka is an ideal dish for a cozy family dinner or when entertaining friends. Serve it hot, garnished generously with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan, alongside a simple green salad and crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the incredible sauce.