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Creamy Penne Alla Vodka

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A classic Italian comfort food featuring penne pasta in a silky vodka-infused tomato cream sauce that’s quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

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  • 12 oz penne pasta, cooked al dente
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
  • 1/3 cup vodka
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Handful fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 9 to 11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water, and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter until melted and shimmering, about 2 minutes. Add 1 small finely chopped yellow onion and sauté until translucent, around 4-5 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
  3. Pour in 28 oz crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Add 1/3 cup vodka. Let simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vodka cooks off and sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Lower heat and slowly stir in 3/4 cup heavy cream. Add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Simmer for another 3-5 minutes until sauce is creamy and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Add drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency. Stir in 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
  6. Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top, and serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side.

Notes

Add cream on low heat to avoid curdling. Stir constantly after adding vodka to prevent burning. Save some pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. Toss pasta and sauce off heat for best texture. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: penne alla vodka, creamy pasta, Italian comfort food, vodka sauce, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/creamy-penne-alla-vodka-recipe-easy-homemade-classic-italian-comfort/