Penne alla Vodka Recipe
A delightful dish featuring a luxurious tomato cream sauce, perfect for transforming busy weeknights into something extraordinary in just 20 minutes.
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Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1/2 small onion finely chopped
- 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
- 1/4 cup vodka
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- Fresh basil thinly sliced (optional)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Bring a pot of generously salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente, following the package directions.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, allowing it to soften and lightly brown.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, ensuring its fragrance is released.
- Pour in the vodka and let it bubble for about 30 seconds.
- Add the tomato paste, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and cohesive.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, allowing the sauce to warm through. Let it thicken over the next few minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to your preference. Add fresh basil if desired, then toss the cooked pasta with the sauce. If the sauce needs thinning, add a small splash of hot pasta water before draining the penne completely.
- Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- For the creamiest result, use heavy cream as lighter substitutes may curdle or yield a grainy texture.
- Opt for high-quality tomato paste, such as those in tubes (e.g., DeLallo or Mutti brands).
- This recipe makes four moderate portions. To serve heartier appetites or skip side dishes, consider doubling the quantities.