Penne alla Vodka Recipe -American, Italian Special
Our homemade Penne alla Vodka is a family-favorite pasta night dish. This Italian-style recipe is made with tender penne tossed in a creamy tomato-based sauce, enhanced by a splash of vodka and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time5 min
- Cook Time30 min
- Total Time35 min
Penne alla Vodka Recipe Ingredients :
- 3 tbsp. butter
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 c. tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp. vodka
- Kosher salt
- 1 lb. tubed pasta, such as penne or rigatoni
- 1/2 c. heavy cream
- 1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
- Basil, for serving
How to Make Penne alla Vodka:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add shallot and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, 4
to 5 minutes.
Add tomato paste and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring frequently, until paste has coated shallots and garlic and is
beginning to darken, 5 minutes.
Add vodka to pot and stir to incorporate, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Turn off heat.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 2 cups of pasta water before draining.
Return sauce to medium heat and add 1/4 cup of pasta water and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add half the Parmesan
and stir until melted. Turn off heat and stir in cooked pasta. Fold in remaining Parmesan, adding more pasta water (about
a tablespoon at a time) if the sauce is looking dry. Season with salt if needed. Serve topped with more Parmesan and torn
basil leaves.
