Enzo's Penne a La Vodka

Savor the ultimate Italian-American comfort dish with Enzo's Penne a La Vodka, a creamy, indulgent pasta recipe that's perfect for any occasion. This vibrant dish combines tender penne pasta with a rich tomato vodka sauce made from San Marzano tomatoes, heavy cream, and a splash of vodka for depth and flavor. Aromatics like garlic, onion, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes provide a subtle heat that perfectly balances the creaminess, while freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fragrant basil elevate each bite. Whether you're preparing a romantic dinner or a weeknight family meal, this quick and easy recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, delivering restaurant-quality flavors right at home. Perfectly creamy, slightly spicy, and utterly irresistible, Enzo's Penne a La Vodka is a must-try pasta recipe that pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or buttery garlic bread.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams Penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 3 units Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 unit Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 0.5 teaspoons Crushed red pepper flakes
• 400 grams Canned whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes
• 60 milliliters Vodka
• 120 milliliters Heavy cream
• 60 grams Grated Parmesan cheese
• 10 grams Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

Step 2

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Crush the canned tomatoes with your hands or a fork (if not already crushed), then add them to the skillet. Let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and pour in the vodka, stirring to combine. Let the vodka cook off for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer gently until fully combined, about 2-3 more minutes. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 6

Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 7

Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.

Step 8

Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves and serve immediately. Offer additional Parmesan cheese on the side for topping, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1232.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2794.0

Total Fat 118.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 54.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 242mg	0%
Sodium 3464.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 322.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.6g	0%
Total Sugars 14.7g
Protein 79.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 756.2mg	0%
Iron 17.2mg	0%
Potassium 1709.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.8%

Protein: 11.9%

Carbs: 48.3%