My wife likes to challenge me by giving me an ingredient or two and coming up with a recipe. This time she picked Vodka of all things and since I already made Vodka Mashed Potatoes I decided to make this Penne in Vodka Sauce.
Just because I decided to use Penne pasta for this recipe doesn’t mean you have to. I think rotini pasta would make a great substitute for the penne. Like I always say, use what you got! The rock star of the recipe is the vodka sauce.
The same goes for the Vodka, use what you got on hand. Since most of it should burn off during the cooking process you don’t need to use the expensive stuff as you will not taste it in the sauce.
Groceries are expensive enough as it is and so is alcohol so keep the cost of this recipe in check by using the cheaper stuff.
What is Al Dente
When cooking pasta, it’s important to cook the pasta al dente to ensure to best texture possible. If you are not familiar with the term “al dente”, it means cooking the pasta so it’s still chewy and firm and that it will hold its shape when the sauce is added to it.
Recipe Variation
If you want to add some protein to this delicious pasta dish you can add some ground beef or ground turkey to the pasta sauce. Or if you prefer you can add my Fantastic Bourbon Meatballs which would be perfect for this dish.
Serving Suggestions
What does better with a great pasta dish than some Cheesy Garlic Bread. This is the best garlic bread you will ever have!
Gather your Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make this Penne with Vodka Sauce recipe (see recipe card for quantities): Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic Clove, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Crushed Tomatoes, Vodka, Salt, Heavy Cream, Penne Pasta and Fresh Basil.
How to Make Penne with Vodka Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and the crushed red pepper and cook until the garlic is golden and fragrant about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes including the puree, vodka and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce has thickened, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in the cream and bring to a boil.
- Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, cook the penne pasta al dente according to the directions on the package. Drain pasta in a colander.
- In a large serving bowl, toss the pasta with the sauce.
- Optionally garnish with basil and parmesan cheese.
Printable Recipe Card
Penne with Vodka Sauce
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Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 small Yellow Onion, diced
- 3 Garlic Cloves, minced
- ¼ Tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes, in puree
- 3 Tbsp Vodka
- ½ Tsp Salt
- ½ Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1 lb Penne Pasta
Garnish (Optional)
- ½ Cup Fresh Basil Leaves, thinly sliced
- ¼ Cup Parmesan Cheese, shaved
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and the crushed red pepper and cook until the garlic is golden and fragrant about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes including the puree, vodka and salt. Bring to boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce has thickened, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in the cream and bring to a boil.
- Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, cook the penne pasta al dente according to the directions on the package. Drain pasta in a colander.
- In a large serving bowl, toss the pasta with the sauce.
- Optionally garnish with basil and parmesan cheese.
Notes
Delicious and easy!
Thank You!