Picture perfectly cooked penne pasta bathed in a rich, velvety sauce that’s bursting with flavor. In just a few simple steps, you’ll create a culinary masterpiece right in your own kitchen, perfect for cozy nights in or entertaining guests. So, grab your apron and let’s embark on a journey to pasta perfection – it’s time to elevate your dinner game and savor the irresistible allure of Penne alla Vodka. Let’s get cooking.
Penne Ala Vodka
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1 can 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound 16 ounces penne pasta
- Salt for boiling water
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh basil leaves chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
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Mince the garlic, chop the onion finely, and measure out all other ingredients.
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Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
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Pour in the vodka and let it simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to meld.
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Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stirring well to combine with the onion and garlic mixture. Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
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Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for another 5 minutes until the sauce is creamy and well-combined.
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Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference for spice and flavor.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
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Add the cooked and drained penne pasta to the skillet with the vodka tomato cream sauce. Toss the pasta gently until it is well coated with the sauce.
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Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serve:
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Once the pasta is heated through and coated evenly with the sauce, remove the skillet from the heat.
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Serve the Penne alla Vodka hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
