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Penne alla Vodka

A creamy, luxurious pasta dish featuring penne coated in a smooth tomato-vodka sauce enriched with cream and Parmesan. Elegant, comforting, and easy to make.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Italian-American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce
  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup vodka
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • fresh basil for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet or sauté pan
  • Whisk
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
  3. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and cook 2–3 minutes to caramelize slightly.
  5. Pour in vodka and simmer 2–3 minutes until reduced by half.
  6. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream, mixing until sauce turns smooth and orange.
  7. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
  8. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted, then season to taste with salt and pepper.
  9. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

Notes

Use quality tomato paste and freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. The alcohol in vodka cooks off, leaving only depth and balance.