Fabulous Penne a La Vodka

Indulge in the creamy decadence of Fabulous Penne a La Vodka, a classic Italian-American pasta dish that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication. This recipe combines tender penne pasta with a luscious vodka-infused tomato cream sauce, enhanced by the subtle warmth of red pepper flakes and the richness of Parmesan cheese. Sautéed onions and garlic create an aromatic base, while a splash of vodka adds a subtle depth to the vibrant crushed tomatoes. Finished with a swirl of heavy cream and a sprinkling of fresh basil, this one-pot wonder is easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Serve it piping hot for a restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 450 grams penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 60 milliliters vodka
• 400 grams crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 120 milliliters heavy cream
• 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 60 grams grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
• 1 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 4 leaves fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted and shimmering.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Pour in the vodka and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off while reducing slightly.

Step 6

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 7

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, mixing until the sauce becomes rich and creamy.

Step 8

Add the cooked penne to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce. If needed, stir in a spoonful of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce.

Step 9

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again until well incorporated.

Step 10

Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1275.3 grams (1275.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3019

Total Fat 118.00g	151%
Saturated Fat 53.20g	266%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 230mg	77%
Sodium 3823mg	166%
Total Carbohydrate 370.00g	135%
Dietary Fiber 25.80g	92%
Total Sugars 19.80g
Protein 86.50g	173%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 782mg	60%
Iron 20mg	109%
Potassium 2016mg	43%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.8%

Protein: 12.0%

Carbs: 51.2%