Penne alla Vodka
Penne alla vodka is a creamy, blush-colored pasta with a rich tomato sauce mellowed by a splash of vodka and cream. The sauce is tangy, savory, and silky, clinging to every piece of penne. It is a restaurant favorite that comes together easily at home.
- ⏱ 30 min
- 📊 easy
- 🍽 Family
Ingredients
- 350 g penne
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
Instructions
- Cook the penne until al dente and reserve some pasta water.
- Saute the onion and garlic in olive oil until soft, then stir in the chili flakes.
- Add the tomato paste and cook until it darkens, about 3 minutes.
- Pour in the vodka and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stir in the cream until smooth, then add the pasta and Parmesan with a splash of pasta water.
- Toss until glossy, season, and serve.
💡 Chef's tip
Simmer the sauce a few minutes after adding the vodka to cook off the alcohol, leaving only its flavor-boosting effect behind.
The vodka is not just for show: it releases flavor compounds in the tomatoes that are otherwise locked away, and its sharp edge cooks off to leave a rounder, deeper sauce.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Protein: 15 g
- Carbs: 68 g
- Fat: 21 g
