Penne Pasta Ala Vodka Recipe
Penne pasta tossed in our homemade vodka sauce topped with fresh Parmesan and fresh parsley.
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Vodka Sauce
Finish & Garnish
Method
Pasta
- 1
Boil water and cook pasta
Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt. Add 12 oz penne and cook until al dente according to package instructions (usually 10–12 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain pasta and set aside.
Vodka Sauce
- 2
Sauté aromatics
In a large sauté pan or wide skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter until butter melts. Add 1 cup finely diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and softened, about 6–8 minutes. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn the garlic.
- 3
Develop tomato base
Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the paste darkens slightly. Pour in 1 teaspoon vodka (optional: increase to 2 tablespoons if you want a stronger vodka note) and let it simmer 1 minute to cook off the alcohol, scraping any browned bits from the pan.
- 4
Add tomatoes and simmer
Add 14 oz tomato purée to the pan, stir to combine, then bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, 8–10 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- 5
Finish with cream and basil
Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 4 torn basil leaves (if using). Warm through for 2–3 minutes on low, do not boil once cream is added. If sauce is too thick, add up to 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to reach a silky consistency.
Combine & Serve
- 6
Toss pasta with sauce
Add the drained penne directly to the skillet with the vodka sauce. Toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time as needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta (use up to the reserved 1 cup). Cook together over low heat 1–2 minutes so the pasta absorbs some sauce.
- 7
Finish with cheese and herbs
Remove the pan from heat and stir in 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan until melted and incorporated, which will further thicken and enrich the sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- 8