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Ingredients
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Pasta
Vodka Sauce
Method
Pasta Preparation
- 1
Cook the Penne Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
Vodka Sauce Preparation
- 2
- 3
Add Red Pepper Flakes
Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes and cook for an additional minute to release their flavor.
- 4
Deglaze with Vodka
Pour in the vodka and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the flavors to meld.
- 5
Incorporate Tomatoes
Add the crushed tomatoes to the saucepan, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- 6
Add Cream and Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- 7
Finish with Fresh Basil
Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the fresh basil. Mix well to combine.
Combine and Serve
- 8
Mix Pasta with Sauce
Add the cooked penne pasta to the vodka sauce, tossing to ensure all the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- 9
Serve
Serve the penne vodka with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top, if desired.