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A beautifully plated dish of Penne alla Vodka, garnished with fresh basil leaves and Parmesan cheese, ready to be savored

Penne alla Vodka Recipe

Indulge in a taste of Italian-American comfort with our irresistible Penne alla Vodka Recipe. This classic dish seamlessly marries the richness of cream and the boldness of tomato sauce, creating a velvety, flavor-packed pasta that's both comforting and elegant. Perfect for a cozy night in or entertaining guests, this recipe is a celebration of culinary bliss. Join us as we take you through each step of creating this beloved Italian-American favorite.

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For our Penne alla Vodka Recipe, gather the following ingredients:

  • 12 ounces penne pasta

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

  • 1 cup tomato puree or crushed tomatoes

  • 1/4 cup vodka

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chiffonade

  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Penne alla Vodka Instructions:

Cook the Penne: Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

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Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.

 

Create the Tomato Vodka Sauce: Pour in the tomato puree or crushed tomatoes and vodka into the skillet. Stir well to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the alcohol cook off.

 

Add Heavy Cream: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the tomato sauce, stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.

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Season and Garnish: Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed. Add the torn or chiffonade fresh basil leaves to the sauce, infusing it with a vibrant herbal aroma.

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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked penne pasta into the creamy tomato vodka sauce. Ensure that every piece of pasta is beautifully coated with the luscious sauce.

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Serve and Garnish: Plate your Penne alla Vodka immediately, garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese.

Tomato passata being poured into a simmering pan, starting the creation of the flavorful Penne alla Vodka sauce.
Vodka being elegantly poured into the creamy tomato vodka sauce, adding a unique depth of flavor to Penne alla Vodka
Penne pasta being lovingly mixed with the velvety tomato vodka sauce, creating the signature Penne alla Vodka dish
A beautifully plated dish of Penne alla Vodka, garnished with fresh basil leaves and Parmesan cheese, ready to be savored

Enjoy Your Penne alla Vodka:

Serve this delightful pasta dish while it's hot, and relish the harmonious blend of creaminess and tomato richness. Each bite of Penne alla Vodka is a culinary journey that's both comforting and luxurious.

Our Penne alla Vodka Recipe is a testament to the joy of Italian-American cooking. Whether enjoyed as a weekday indulgence or a special occasion treat, this dish captures the essence of comfort food with a touch of sophistication. Savor the velvety goodness and the hint of vodka that makes this pasta classic a true favorite.

Elegant Kitchen

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