Recipe for Penne Alla Vodka
This penne alla vodka boasts an incredibly flavorful sauce yet is simple enough for a busy weeknight.
Servings: 8
Calories: 639kcal
Ingredients
- 16 ounces penne pasta, cooked al dente according to package directions
- 1 cup yellow onion, fine diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup vodka
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 16 ounces tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, divided
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1¾ cups fresh grated parmesan cheese, divided
Instructions
- In a large stockpot, cook your penne pasta to al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside when done.
- In a large, deep-sided skillet, on medium heat, saute the diced onions, minced garlic, salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes in the olive oil for 2 to 3 minutes or until the onions are soft.
- Once the onions are soft, add the chicken stock and vodka, allowing it to cook for another 30 seconds, to cook off some of the alcohol, and to deglaze the pan.
- Turn to heat down to medium-low add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil. Allow the sauce to simmer for 20 minutes making sure to stir occasionally.
- Turn the heat to low and add the heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Add the cooked and drained pasta to the sauce. Stir to coat and allow to simmer for a final 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Your sauce will be thin at first, so you will want to allow your penne alla vodka to rest for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken. It will thicken as it cools.
- You can transfer your penne alla vodka to a large serving dish, or leave it in the skillet, and garnish with the remaining 1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil and ¼ cup fresh grated parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Try to use fresh herbs and garlic if you can, as it adds so much extra flavor to the homemade vodka sauce.
- This sauce can be made a day ahead and reheated on the stove while you are cooking the pasta.
- Be sure to let it simmer long enough to cook off most of the alcohol, or you’ll taste the alcohol, and it will really overpower the dish.
Nutrition
Calories: 639kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 1151mg | Potassium: 720mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1564IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 360mg | Iron: 3mg