Penne Alla Vodka Recipe
leeks and sweet pancetta in a vodka tomato cream sauce
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Sauce
Method
Pasta Preparation
- 1
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- 2
Drain and Reserve
Once cooked, drain the pasta and reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. Set aside.
Sauce Preparation
- 3
Heat the Oil
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- 4
Sauté the Leeks
Add the chopped leeks and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- 5
Cook the Pancetta
Add the diced pancetta and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- 6
Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- 7
Add Tomatoes and Vodka
Add the crushed tomatoes and vodka, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes to reduce slightly.
- 8
Incorporate Cream and Seasonings
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let simmer for another 5 minutes.
- 9
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- 10
Finish the Dish
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil just before serving.
