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Creamy Penne alla Vodka with Fresh Basil

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A rich and velvety Italian-American pasta dish made with penne tossed in a creamy tomato vodka sauce, finished with fresh basil for a burst of freshness. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup vodka
  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
  • Extra Parmesan, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook penne according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Carefully pour in the vodka and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until reduced by half.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Add cooked penne and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Stir in chopped basil and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with more fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • Use a high-quality vodka for best flavor, but it can be omitted if desired.
  • For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and vegan Parmesan.
  • Try adding sautéed mushrooms or pancetta for a twist.
  • Leftovers reheat well and are great the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: penne alla vodka, creamy pasta, tomato vodka sauce, Italian pasta, vegetarian dinner

Find it online: https://yumcove.com/creamy-penne-alla-vodka-with-fresh-basil/