Penne Russo a la Vodka is a classic Italian-American dish that combines tender penne pasta with a creamy vodka sauce. This dish is perfect for a fancy dinner party or a cozy night in. The combination of tomatoes, cream, and vodka creates a velvety sauce that coats each bite of pasta in a luscious, flavorful coating.
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Directions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add vodka to the skillet and let it simmer for a few minutes to cook off the alcohol.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated with the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Interesting Facts
Vodka sauce is believed to have originated in the 1970s in Italian-American restaurants in the United States.
Despite the name, vodka sauce does not taste strongly of alcohol, as the vodka evaporates during cooking, leaving behind a subtle flavor enhancement.