Penne Alla Vodka Recipe
penne pasta in a vodka tomato sauce
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Sauce
Method
Cooking the Pasta
- 1
Boil Water
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
- 2
Cook the Penne
Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 11-13 minutes.
- 3
Drain and Set Aside
Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.
Making the Sauce
- 4
Heat the Olive Oil
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil.
- 5
Sauté Garlic
Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- 6
Add Vodka
Carefully add the vodka to the skillet. Allow it to simmer for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the alcohol evaporates slightly.
- 7
Incorporate Tomatoes
Add the canned crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- 8
Add Cream and Season
Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- 9
Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- 10
Finish with Basil and Cheese
Stir in the chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well and adjust seasoning if necessary.