Description
Creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced, this penne alla vodka recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
Sauté onion in olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes.
Deglaze with vodka, then add tomato puree and simmer 5–10 minutes.
Stir in cream, cooked pasta, and Parmesan. Add pasta water as needed for consistency.
Garnish with basil and serve hot.
Notes
- The alcohol cooks off but enhances the tomato flavor
- Use tomato paste for a thicker sauce
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Italian-American