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.
🥃 Alcohol Warning
Please take into consideration that some of the alcohol in this recipe may not completely burn off and the remains could be of significant concern to recovering alcoholics, parents, and others who have ethical or religious reasons for avoiding alcohol.
💭 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.
For more great recipes like this one, I suggest you check these recipes out:
📋 What Ingredients do I need
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 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.
Penne with Vodka Sauce
Equipment
- Skillet
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 small Yellow Onion, diced
- 3 Garlic Cloves, minced
- ¼ teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes, in puree
- 3 tablespoon Vodka
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ Cup Heavy Cream
- 1 lb Penne Pasta
Garnish (Optional)
- ½ Cup Fresh Basil, 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
Nutrition
Nutritional information provided for this recipe is based on 1 serving. This information is an estimate and may vary based on several factors. If nutritional information is important to you and your diet, please verify this recipe with a Registered Dietitian.
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