Penne Vodka Recipe
Make Penne Vodka Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Sauce
Method
Cooking the Pasta
- 1
Boil the Penne
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 11-13 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 2
Drain the Pasta
Once the penne is cooked, drain it in a colander, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water for later use.
Preparing the Sauce
- 3
Sauté Garlic
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
- 4
Add Tomato Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- 5
Incorporate Vodka
Carefully add the vodka to the skillet, allowing it to simmer for another 5 minutes. This will help cook off some of the alcohol.
- 6
Add Cream
Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- 7
Season the Sauce
Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
- 8
Combine
Add the drained penne pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach desired consistency.
- 9
Garnish
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
