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Creamy Penne alla Vodka

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A classic Italian-American pasta dish made with penne tossed in a rich, creamy tomato-vodka sauce finished with Parmesan and fresh basil.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 400g penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup vodka
  • 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the vodka and simmer for 2-3 minutes to let the alcohol cook off.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
  6. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until smooth.
  7. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  8. Stir in Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Garnish with chopped basil and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use high-quality vodka for best flavor, or substitute with chicken broth if avoiding alcohol.
  • Adjust spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
  • Make it vegetarian by using vegetarian Parmesan-style cheese.
  • This dish pairs well with garlic bread and a green salad.

Nutrition

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

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