Penne a La Vodka with Broccoli

Indulge in a cozy and flavorful twist on a classic with this Penne a La Vodka with Broccoli recipe, a perfect fusion of rich and creamy vodka sauce paired with tender-crisp broccoli for a touch of freshness. Featuring a luscious blend of caramelized tomato paste, heavy cream, and a splash of vodka, this velvety sauce clings perfectly to al dente penne pasta. Blanched broccoli florets add vibrant color and nutrients, balancing the creamy richness with every bite. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan and fragrant basil, this dish is ready in just 40 minutes and ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Impress your family with this comforting vegetarian pasta recipe that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup tomato paste
• 0.5 cup vodka
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper
• 1 cup pasta cooking water

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In the same pot of boiling water, add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, to caramelize the paste and deepen its flavor.

Step 7

Carefully add the vodka to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off the alcohol.

Step 8

Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 9

Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it is fully melted and incorporated.

Step 10

Add the cooked penne pasta and blanched broccoli to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick, stirring until you achieve your desired consistency.

Step 11

Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Step 12

Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting dish!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1550.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3219.3

Total Fat 151.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 74.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 342mg	0%
Sodium 3343.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 319.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.5g	0%
Total Sugars 36.5g
Protein 78.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 670.9mg	0%
Iron 23.0mg	0%
Potassium 3528.2mg	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: 46.2%

Protein: 10.6%

Carbs: 43.2%