Free recipe
Penne alla Vodka
Built around penne and onion -- the method starts by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
Anchored by penne, onion and garlic, this Italian dish starts by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta and comes together in about 20 minutes -- the kind of medium recipe that earns a permanent spot in the rotation.
Ready in 20 minutes -- genuinely doable on a weeknight.
A few technique steps to focus on, but nothing that needs special equipment.
Built around penne, so the flavor comes from real ingredients, not a spice packet.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) penne
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/3 cup vodka
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt, black pepper, and fresh basil to serve
Nutrition (estimated, per serving)
Calculated from this recipe's own ingredient list; treat as an estimate, not a lab measurement.
Method
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
Heat the olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook 5 minutes until soft, then add the garlic and chili flakes and cook 1 minute more.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook 3-4 minutes, stirring, until it darkens to a deep brick red - this builds a rich, sweet flavor.
Carefully pour in the vodka (stand back, it may sizzle) and cook 2-3 minutes to cook off the raw alcohol.
Lower the heat and stir in the cream to make a smooth pink sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
Meanwhile cook the penne until al dente, reserve 1 cup pasta water, and drain.
Add the penne to the sauce with the Parmesan and a splash of pasta water. Toss over low heat 1 minute until coated and glossy.
Serve topped with torn fresh basil and more Parmesan.
Meanwhile cook the penne until al dente, reserve 1 cup pasta water, and drain.
