Easy Penne Alla Vodka
Indulge in a classic Italian favorite with this incredibly easy Penne Alla Vodka recipe. Rich, creamy, and bursting with savory tomato flavor with a hint of vodka, it's perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner using simple supermarket ingredients.
1Ingredients
- 400 gramsPenne pasta
- 2 tablespoonsOlive oil
- 3 cloves, mincedGarlic
- 800 grams canCrushed tomatoes
- 60 mlVodka
- 120 mlHeavy cream
- 0.5 cupParmesan cheese, grated
- 1 pinchSalt
- 1 pinchBlack pepper
- 0.3 cupFresh basil, chopped (optional)
2Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
⏱ 10 min - 2
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or deep pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
⏱ 1 min - 3
Pour in the vodka. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing most of the alcohol to evaporate, leaving behind a subtle sweetness.
⏱ 3 min - 4
Stir in the crushed tomatoes. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to deepen the flavors. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
⏱ 15 min - 5
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream until it is fully combined and the sauce takes on a beautiful creamy, pink hue.
⏱ 1 min - 6
Add the cooked penne pasta directly into the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and about half a cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated and the sauce reaches your desired consistency, adding more pasta water if needed.
⏱ 2 min - 7
Serve the Penne Alla Vodka immediately, garnished with fresh chopped basil and additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
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