Alla Vodka Recipe
Penne, 480 calories, 17g fat, 42g protein, 40g carbs
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Pasta
Vodka tomato cream sauce
To finish
Method
Pasta
- 1
Boil pasta
Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt. Add 8 oz penne and cook uncovered until al dente according to package directions (typically 10–12 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Vodka tomato cream sauce
- 2
Sauté aromatics
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 teaspoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup finely diced onion and cook, stirring, until softened and translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to brown.
- 3
Develop tomato base
Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to caramelize the paste slightly. Add the 14 oz crushed tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- 4
Add vodka
Carefully add 2 tablespoons vodka to the pan. Simmer uncovered for 3–4 minutes to allow the alcohol flavor to cook off and the sauce to reduce slightly.
- 5
Finish with cream and cheese
Reduce heat to low and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. Simmer gently 2–3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil.
To finish
- 6
Toss pasta with sauce
Add the drained penne to the skillet with the vodka tomato cream sauce. Toss to coat, adding up to 1/2 cup reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve a silky consistency. Cook together over low heat 1–2 minutes so the pasta absorbs some sauce.
- 7
Serve
Divide the pasta between plates. Top each serving with 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.