Penne alla Vodka

Indulge in the creamy, comforting flavors of Penne alla Vodka, a classic Italian-American pasta dish that strikes the perfect balance between rich and tangy. This recipe combines perfectly cooked al dente penne pasta with a luscious, velvety vodka sauce made from tomato paste, heavy cream, and a touch of smooth vodka for depth. Sautéed shallots, garlic, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes elevate the sauce with layers of savory and spicy undertones. Finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fragrant basil leaves, this 40-minute, one-pan wonder is a go-to for weeknight dinners or an elegant date night meal. Serve it with a side of crusty bread and a crisp green salad for a restaurant-quality experience at home.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 small shallots
• 3 cloves garlic
• 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 0.75 cup vodka
• 1 cup tomato paste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves
• 3 quarts water
• 2 tbsp salt for cooking pasta

Directions

Step 1

Bring 3 quarts of salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, finely chop the shallots and garlic cloves.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter melts, add the chopped shallots and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent.

Step 4

Add the garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet, cooking for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant, making sure not to burn it.

Step 5

Carefully add the vodka to the skillet, simmering for 2-3 minutes to allow the alcohol to cook off, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing it to combine well with the shallot and garlic mixture.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 8

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the penne thoroughly with the sauce.

Step 9

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, season with salt and black pepper, and mix until the cheese is melted and the pasta is well combined with the sauce.

Step 10

Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with freshly torn basil leaves before serving.

Step 11

Serve hot, topped with additional grated Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4110.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3483.6

Total Fat 163.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 82.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 382mg	0%
Sodium 16122.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 312.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.8g	0%
Total Sugars 37.0g
Protein 88.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1199.6mg	0%
Iron 21.5mg	0%
Potassium 3631.7mg	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: 47.9%

Protein: 11.5%

Carbs: 40.6%