Penne alla Vodka

Penne alla vodka is a classic Italian pasta dish featuring penne pasta tossed in a deliciously creamy blush vodka sauce. It is the perfect weeknight dinner when I have no idea what to make.

I can’t think of a more comforting, delicious pasta dish than Penne alla vodka.  It is a simple dish to prepare making it the perfect weeknight meal. This creamy, blush vodka sauce is a magical meeting of crushed tomatoes, the decadent flavor of heavy cream and vodka.

I often add grilled chicken or shrimp to this to make it a complete meal.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR VODKA SAUCE:

• San Marzano Tomatoes & Tomato Paste: Key ingredients for the sauce, San Marzano tomatoes offer a sweeter and less acidic flavor, while tomato paste adds depth and richness to the sauce.
• Aromatics (Onion, Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes, Oregano): Enhance the sauce with layers of flavor, from the sweet aroma of sautéed onions and garlic to the subtle heat of red pepper flakes and the earthy notes of dried oregano.
• Vodka: Adds a unique depth of flavor to the sauce, enhancing the sweetness of the tomatoes and balancing the creaminess of the sauce without imparting an overwhelming alcohol taste.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, velvety texture in the sauce, adding richness and creaminess to the dish.
• Bacon or Pancetta (if desired): We don’t use bacon in our recipe, but it is optional to add a smoky flavor.

How to Make Penne Alla Vodka

1. To make Penne alla Vodka, start by sautéing finely chopped onion and minced garlic in a skillet until they’re soft and fragrant.
2. Stir in tomato paste, dried oregano, and optional red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Pour in a can of crushed tomatoes and let the sauce simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Then, carefully add vodka and let it cook down for a few minutes until it reduces almost in half. Stir in the tomatoes and continue simmering. The sauce is ok like this, but can be made smoother with an emulsion blender if you like a smooth sauce.
4. Lastly, stir in the heavy cream.
5. Meanwhile, cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
6. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and toss it with the creamy vodka sauce.
7. Serve hot with freshly grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top for a finishing touch.

WILL I TASTE THE VODKA?

No.  The vodka is one of the first liquids added to the pan and is reduced down by almost half before the tomatoes and cream are added. The purpose of the vodka is to enhance the flavor of the tomatoes as well as balancing out the sweetness.

Also, vodka is a relatively flavorless alcohol.  It will not impart any residual alcohol flavor in the sauce.

OTHER GREAT PASTA DISHES YOU MAY LIKE:

• Baked Ziti: Our #1 recipe – A comforting classic, baked ziti features al dente pasta smothered in a rich marinara sauce, topped with gooey mozzarella cheese, and baked until bubbly and golden.
• Baked Rigatoni: Similar to baked ziti, this dish swaps out penne for rigatoni pasta, offering a heartier bite, while still showcasing the irresistible combination of sauce and cheese.
• Cheesy Turkey Penne Pasta: This twist on traditional pasta dishes combines savory ground turkey with penne pasta and a creamy cheese sauce, providing a lighter yet equally satisfying option.
• Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet: A one-pan wonder, this dish brings together the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with macaroni pasta, creating a quick and delicious meal the whole family will love.

PENNE ALLA VODKA
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