Penne alla Vodka is a classic Italian pasta dish known for its creamy tomato sauce infused with vodka. This recipe combines perfectly cooked penne pasta with a rich and indulgent sauce made from tomatoes, cream, and the unmistakable flavor of vodka. It's the ultimate comfort food for pasta lovers, and the perfect dish for a special evening or a cozy dinner at home. With just a handful of ingredients and some simple steps, you can recreate this restaurant-worthy dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Directions
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vodka, and stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with fresh chopped basil. Serve hot and enjoy!
