Penne a La Russe

Penne a La Russe is a luxurious Italian-inspired pasta dish with a bold twist, marrying the richness of a creamy tomato-based sauce with a subtle kick from vodka and red pepper flakes. In just 35 minutes, this recipe transforms pantry staples like penne pasta, crushed tomatoes, and heavy cream into a velvety, restaurant-worthy dish. Sautéed garlic and onions create a flavorful base, while Parmesan cheese lends a touch of savory decadence. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or impressive entertaining, this dish is crowned with fresh basil and extra Parmesan for an elegant finish. Whether you're a pasta enthusiast or seeking something new, Penne a La Russe is a must-try comfort food classic.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 60 milliliters vodka
• 400 grams canned crushed tomatoes
• 120 milliliters heavy cream
• 60 grams Parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra for garnish)
• 10 grams fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper
• 0 as needed water for boiling pasta

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.

Step 2

In a large, deep skillet or saucepan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.

Step 4

Sprinkle the crushed red pepper flakes into the skillet and stir for about 30 seconds to release their flavor.

Step 5

Pour the vodka into the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate while stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors can meld together.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the heavy cream. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 8

Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 9

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 10

Serve the Penne a La Russe hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1459.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2715.7

Total Fat 103.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 51.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 218mg	0%
Sodium 3824.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 333.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.2g	0%
Total Sugars 21.4g
Protein 80.3g	0%

Vitamin D 24IU	0%
Calcium 827.0mg	0%
Iron 19.0mg	0%
Potassium 2427.0mg	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: 35.9%

Protein: 12.4%

Carbs: 51.7%