Penne alla Vodka
A luxurious, silky pasta dish that balances the acidity of tomatoes with the richness of cream and a hint of vodka.
Ingredients
- •1 lb (450g) penne pasta
- •2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- •2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- •1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- •3 cloves garlic, minced
- •1/2 cup tomato paste
- •1/4 cup vodka
- •1 cup heavy cream
- •1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- •1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- •Salt and black pepper to taste
- •Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to package directions until al dente.
- 2
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 3
Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes, then add the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns a deep brick-red color.
- 5
Pour in the vodka to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom, and simmer until the liquid has reduced by half.
- 6
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, simmering gently until the sauce thickens slightly.
- 7
Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the penne.
- 8
Add the pasta to the sauce, tossing well to coat. Add the Parmesan cheese and a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- 9
Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil.
💡 Chef tips
- Do not skip the step of cooking the tomato paste; browning it is essential for developing a deep, sweet flavor that cuts through the acidity.
- If you prefer a spicy kick, increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dish should have a vibrant, creamy orange-pink sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta, offering a balanced flavor profile that is savory, slightly tangy, and velvety smooth.