Mike's Penne a La Vodka
Get ready to elevate your pasta night with Mike's Penne a La Vodka, a rich and creamy dish that strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and elegance. This recipe features tender penne pasta coated in a luscious tomato-vodka sauce, enhanced with fragrant garlic, a hint of crushed red pepper for subtle heat, and a splash of vodka that adds a bold depth of flavor. Finished with a touch of heavy cream and a generous handful of grated parmesan cheese, this silky sauce clings beautifully to every bite. Quick to prepare in just 45 minutes, it's a crowd-pleaser perfect for date nights or casual gatherings. Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and freshness, and pair it with crusty bread or a crisp salad for a truly satisfying meal. Whether you're a pasta lover or simply looking for a restaurant-worthy recipe to try at home, this creamy penne a la vodka is sure to impress.
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Ingredients
- 16 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 units garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 0.5 cups vodka
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 0.75 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 0.25 cups fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
- 4 quarts water
- 2 tablespoons salt (for pasta water)
Directions
Step 1
Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 2 tablespoons of salt and stir to dissolve. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until the butter melts.
Step 3
Add the finely diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
Step 4
Pour in the vodka and stir well to deglaze the pan. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
Step 5
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, to slightly thicken the sauce.
Step 6
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 0.5 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste.
Step 7
Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. If needed, use the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
Step 8
Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Remove the skillet from heat.
Step 9
Garnish with fresh basil, if using, and serve immediately. Optionally, sprinkle additional parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (5731.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3566.2 |
| Total Fat 146.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 70.4g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 322mg | 0% |
| Sodium 18113.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 398.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 34.2g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 39.5g | |
| Protein 102.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1432.1mg | 0% |
| Iron 25.0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3966.4mg | 0% |
Source of Calories