penne and vodka sauce recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best penne and vodka sauce recipe

I’ve been making penne and vodka sauce for years, and it’s still a favorite in my household. This classic Italian-American dish is a staple in many homes, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, delicious, and can be customized to suit any taste.

The combination of penne pasta, vodka-infused tomato sauce, and topped with parmesan cheese is a match made in heaven. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is always a hit with them.

I’ve served it at family gatherings, potlucks, and even just as a quick weeknight dinner. The best part?

It’s incredibly versatile – you can add protein like sausage or chicken, or keep it vegetarian with some roasted vegetables. And let’s not forget the health benefits – this dish is packed with vitamin D from the tomatoes, iron from the pasta, and calcium from the cheese.

My family loves it when I serve it with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal. This recipe is a true classic for a reason – it’s comforting, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion.

Penne and Vodka Sauce

4.9 from 1767 votes

A creamy and tangy vodka sauce served over penne pasta, this dish is a comforting Italian-American classic. It is easy to prepare, with a rich tomato and cream base, and a hint of spice.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz penne pasta
salt for pasta water

For the Vodka Sauce

2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 14.5 oz can crushed tomatoes
1 cup vodka
1 cup heavy cream
salt to taste
black pepper to taste
1 tsp dried basil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2Add penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Drain and set aside.
4While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
5Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
6Add garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
7Add crushed tomatoes to the pan.
8Stir well to combine.
9Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
10If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
11Pour in the vodka and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
12The sauce will have a strong alcohol smell at first, but it will dissipate as it cooks.
13Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt, black pepper and dried basil.
14Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together.
15Add the cooked penne pasta to the vodka sauce and toss to combine.
16If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
17Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the pasta is well coated and heated through.
18Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
19Serve the penne and vodka sauce hot, garnished with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large pan
Wooden spoon
Colander

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat penne for a healthier option. For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes. For a richer sauce, add more heavy cream.

Watch Video Of How Penne and Vodka Sauce Works

This penne and vodka sauce recipe has become a staple in my household over the years – it’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. I love serving it at family gatherings or just as a quick weeknight dinner.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile – you can add protein like sausage or chicken, or keep it vegetarian with some roasted vegetables.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Penne and Vodka Sauce

1. What is penne and vodka sauce?

Penne and vodka sauce is a classic Italian-American dish made with penne pasta, vodka-infused tomato sauce, and topped with parmesan cheese.

2. Can I make this recipe without vodka?

Yes, you can make this recipe without vodka by substituting it with another liquid such as chicken or beef broth.

3. How long does it take to cook penne pasta?

Penne pasta typically takes around 8-10 minutes to cook al dente.

4. Can I use different types of cheese instead of parmesan?

While parmesan cheese is traditional in penne and vodka sauce, you can use other hard cheeses like cheddar or provolone as substitutes.

5. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe can be adapted to be vegetarian by omitting the sausage or chicken if used.

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