Description
Creamy penne alla vodka emerges as a luxurious Italian classic, blending rich tomato sauce with smooth cream and a subtle vodka kick. Pasta enthusiasts will savor this elegant dish that brings comfort and sophistication to dinner tables with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
Main Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot with salted water, bringing it to a rolling boil at high heat. Cook penne pasta until perfectly al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta and reserve.
- Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Introduce diced onions, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
- Incorporate minced garlic into the skillet, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes. Ensure garlic releases its aromatic essence without burning.
- Carefully introduce vodka into the skillet, allowing it to simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes. This process will eliminate the sharp alcohol notes while preserving the complex flavor profile.
- Pour crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes into the skillet. Blend ingredients thoroughly, simmering for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and develops a rich, creamy consistency.
- Fold cooked penne into the sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated. Integrate grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely and creates a silky, smooth texture.
- Transfer the creamy pasta to serving dishes. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while the dish maintains its optimal temperature and creamy consistency.
Notes
- Pasta Water Magic: Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining, which helps create a silkier, more cohesive sauce if the mixture becomes too thick.
- Alcohol-Free Option: Replace vodka with chicken broth or additional tomato sauce for a family-friendly version without losing depth of flavor.
- Creamy Consistency Trick: Gradually add cream while stirring to prevent sauce from separating and ensure a smooth, velvety texture.
- Dietary Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lighter, dairy-free alternative that maintains the recipe’s rich character.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 577
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 86 mg