spicy penne alla vodka recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
spicy penne alla vodka recipe
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The Best spicy penne alla vodka recipe

I have always been a fan of Italian cuisine, and one of my favorite dishes to make at home is spicy penne alla vodka. This classic recipe has been a staple in Italian cooking for centuries, and its popularity has spread worldwide due to its rich flavor and versatility. The dish originated in Italy, specifically in the Campania region, where it was known as ‘pennoni all’arrabbiata.’

The name ‘vodka’ was added later, likely due to the use of vodka in the recipe. When I first made this dish, I was surprised by how quickly my family fell in love with it. My kids loved the spicy kick from the red pepper flakes, and my husband enjoyed the tangy flavor from the vodka.

As for me, I loved how easy it was to make and how it could be customized to suit our tastes. Over time, I’ve perfected this recipe to make it a staple in our household. My family loves it so much that we often request it for special occasions or as a quick weeknight dinner.

One of the reasons we love this recipe is its health benefits – penne pasta is high in fiber and protein, while the vegetables add vitamins and antioxidants. This dish is also relatively low-calorie, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. The key home cooking technique in this recipe is sautéing the vegetables with garlic and red pepper flakes before adding the tomatoes and vodka.

This process brings out the flavors of the ingredients and creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate with other recipes.

Spicy Penne alla Vodka

Spicy Penne alla Vodka

4.6 from 765 votes

This spicy penne alla vodka combines al dente pasta with a creamy, fiery tomato sauce. The vodka adds depth while red pepper flakes bring the heat.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 480 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

1 pound penne pasta
1 tablespoon salt

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup vodka
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add 1 tablespoon salt and the penne, then cook until al dente according to package directions, about 10 to 12 minutes.
3Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
4While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
6Pour the vodka into the skillet and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.
7The alcohol will cook off and the liquid will reduce slightly.
8Add the crushed tomatoes and stir well.
9Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
10Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
11Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
12Season with salt to taste.
13Add the drained penne to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
14If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
15Serve immediately garnished with fresh basil.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Colander
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 480 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 9g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 58g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 14g

📝Notes

For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne. You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce calories, but the sauce will be less rich.

Watch Video Of How Spicy Penne alla Vodka Works

This spicy penne alla vodka recipe is a staple in our household because it’s easy to make and delicious every time.

It’s also versatile enough that we can customize it to suit our tastes and dietary needs.

One thing we love about this recipe is that it makes great leftovers – simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spicy Penne alla Vodka

Q1: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of pasta you like for this recipe, but penne is the traditional choice because of its tube shape that holds onto the sauce well.

Q2: Can I substitute red wine with vodka?

No, you should not substitute red wine with vodka in this recipe. The acidity in red wine would change the flavor profile of the dish significantly.

Q3: How spicy should I make my penne alla vodka?

The level of spiciness is up to you – if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. If you prefer a spicier flavor, add more red pepper flakes or use hot sauce.

Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the pasta just before serving. If you do choose to cook the pasta ahead of time, store it separately from the sauce.

Q5: What are some variations on this recipe?

You can add other ingredients like sausage or bacon to give your penne alla vodka more depth of flavor. Alternatively, you can try using different types of pasta or substituting some ingredients with vegetarian alternatives.

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