Penne Vodka Recipe
Penne Pasta Served with our Homemade Vodka Sauce
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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 package instructions until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 2
Drain the Pasta
Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water for later use.
Vodka Sauce Preparation
- 3
Sauté Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent.
- 4
Add Red Pepper Flakes
Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes and cook for another minute to release their flavor.
- 5
Add Tomatoes and Vodka
Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and vodka. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
- 6
Incorporate Cream and Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the sauce is creamy and heated through.
- 7
Add Fresh Basil
Stir in the chopped fresh basil just before serving for added freshness.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
- 8
Mix Pasta with Sauce
Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the vodka sauce. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
- 9
Serve
Plate the pasta and sauce mixture, garnishing with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
