Penne Pasta Vodka Sauce Recipe
Penne Pasta in a Special Vodka Sauce
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Vodka Sauce
Method
Cooking the Pasta
- 1
Boil Water
In a large pot, bring 4-6 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.
- 2
Cook Pasta
Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- 3
Drain Pasta
Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside. Do not rinse.
Preparing the Vodka Sauce
- 4
Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 5
Add Red Pepper Flakes
Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to release their flavor.
- 6
Deglaze with Vodka
Carefully add 1 cup of vodka to the skillet, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Cook until the vodka reduces by half, about 3-5 minutes.
- 7
Incorporate Tomatoes
Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- 8
Add Cream and Cheese
Reduce heat to low, then stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
- 9
Add Fresh Basil
Stir in the chopped fresh basil, reserving a small amount for garnish.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
- 10
Combine
Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the vodka sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- 11
Serve
Serve hot, garnished with the reserved fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
