Penne Alla Vodka Recipe
With pancetta and ricotta
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Sauce
Method
Cooking the Pasta
- 1
Boil the Penne
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.
- 2
Drain the Pasta
Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside. Reserve a cup of pasta water for later use.
Making the Sauce
- 3
Sauté the Pancetta
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until crispy, about 4-5 minutes.
- 4
Add Garlic and Spices
Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- 5
Incorporate Tomato Sauce and Vodka
Pour in the tomato sauce and vodka. Stir well to combine, and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
- 6
Add Heavy Cream and Seasonings
Lower the heat and add heavy cream, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir until smooth and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- 7
Mix in Fresh Basil and Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and ricotta cheese until well blended.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
- 8
Combine Pasta with Sauce
Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- 9
Serve
Serve the Penne Alla Vodka hot, garnished with additional basil and Parmesan cheese if desired.