Authentic Penne alla Vodka Recipe

Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of Penne alla Vodka! This classic Italian-American dish combines al dente penne pasta with a luscious tomato cream sauce infused with vodka. The result is a velvety and savory pasta dish that will leave you craving for more. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner party or a romantic date night. It's easy to make, yet tastes like it came straight from a fancy Italian restaurant.

Ingredients

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup vodka
• 2 cups tomato puree
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Carefully pour in the vodka and let it simmer for a few minutes to cook off the alcohol.
4. Stir in the tomato puree and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce, tossing well to coat each noodle. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the pasta through.
7. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
8. Serve the Penne alla Vodka hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
9. Enjoy!

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