Description
Penne alla Vodka is a delightful Italian pasta dish that combines the rich flavors of vodka, cream, and tangy tomato paste. This quick and easy recipe makes for a perfect dinner that everyone will savor, featuring a creamy sauce that clings beautifully to the penne pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion diced small
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup vodka
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup starchy pasta water
- 6 ounces parmesan cheese finely shredded or grated
- 6 leaves fresh basil hand torn
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, add the penne and stir to prevent sticking; reduce heat to medium. Cook until al dente, about 11-13 minutes.
- In a large skillet, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add garlic and onion; cook for 3 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the tomato paste and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook while stirring for about 5 minutes until the paste deepens in color.
- Add vodka to deglaze the pan, stirring to lift any browned bits. Reduce heat to low.
- Scoop out ½ cup of starchy pasta water with a measuring cup. Mix the hot water with the heavy cream in the cup to form a creamy mixture.
- Pour the cream mixture into the skillet and stir to combine.
- Once the pasta is cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer it directly to the skillet with the sauce; no need to drain. The residual water is beneficial.
- Stir half of the parmesan cheese into the pasta and sauce; mix until the sauce thickens. If needed, add more starchy water for a thinner consistency.
- Turn off the heat, top with fresh basil and remaining parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.
Notes
Using starchy pasta water is essential for achieving the right creaminess in the sauce.
Feel free to adjust the level of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
For added flavor, consider garnishing with more fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg