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Creamy Penne alla Vodka Pasta

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A rich and creamy penne pasta dish with a tangy tomato and vodka sauce, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup vodka
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chiffonade
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 11 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent and soft.
  3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Pour in 1/4 cup vodka, stirring well. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and cook off the alcohol.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Lower the heat and slowly mix in 3/4 cup heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce is silky smooth. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  7. Add the drained penne pasta to the sauce and toss gently to coat. Heat together for 1-2 minutes to allow pasta to soak up flavors.
  8. Remove from heat and fold in fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and basil for garnish.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta in the sauce; it should remain al dente. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor. Add cream off heat or on very low heat to prevent curdling. Vodka helps release tomato flavors but alcohol cooks off during simmering. White wine can be used as a substitute for vodka.

Nutrition

Keywords: penne alla vodka, creamy pasta, vodka sauce, easy dinner, basil, Parmesan, Italian pasta

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/creamy-penne-alla-vodka-pasta-recipe-easy-homemade-dinner-idea-with-basil-and-parmesan/