Penne alla Vodka

Elevate Your Dinner with Penne alla Vodka: A Creamy, Rich Delight

Penne alla Vodka is not just another pasta dish; it’s a creamy, indulgent experience that brings a touch of Italian sophistication to any dining table. Here’s a detailed recipe to guide you through making this delightful dish right at home, ensuring a rich and flavorful experience.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
• 1/2 cup vodka
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Pasta: Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

1. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add Vodka: Pour in the vodka and cook for about 2-3 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate slightly.
3. Add Tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes or tomato puree. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

3. Finish the Sauce:

1. Add Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

1. Mix Together: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

5. Serve:

1. Plate: Serve the Penne alla Vodka hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
2. Enjoy: Enjoy your delicious homemade Penne alla Vodka!

Tips:

• Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality tomatoes and Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
• Alcohol: If you prefer not to use vodka, you can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth, but the vodka does add a unique depth of flavor.
• Adjusting Heat: If you like a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.

Enjoy your homemade Penne alla Vodka!