Penne Vodka Recipe

Bring a large pot of water (about 4–6 quarts) to a rolling boil. Add kosher salt. Add 1 lb penne and cook according to package instructions until just al dente (usually 10–12 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Sweat aromatics

In a large sauté pan or shallow saucepan over medium heat, add 2 tbs extra-virgin olive oil and 2 tbs unsalted butter. When butter melts and begins to foam, add 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant—do not brown the garlic.

Build tomato base

Stir in 3 tbs tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to deepen the paste's flavor. Add 400 g crushed tomatoes, stir to combine, and simmer gently for 6–8 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate flavor. Taste and add 1/2 tsp granulated sugar if the tomatoes taste too acidic.

Add vodka

Increase heat to medium-high, add 1/4 cup vodka, and let it bubble gently for 2–3 minutes to cook off most of the alcohol and incorporate flavors. Stir occasionally and scrape any browned bits from the pan. Reduce heat back to medium-low before adding cream.

Finish sauce

Lower heat to medium-low and stir in 1 cup heavy cream until the sauce turns a uniform pink. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly. Add 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan and 1/4 cup chiffonaded fresh basil. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Add the drained al dente penne to the sauce in the pan. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time (start with 1/4 cup) to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta. Continue tossing for 1–2 minutes until sauce is silky and evenly coats the pasta. If sauce seems thick, add additional reserved water up to 1 cup total.

Remove from heat and stir in additional 2 tbs butter (optional) for extra gloss. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, topped with extra grated Parmesan, more chopped basil, and red pepper flakes to taste.