Penne Alla Vodka

Penne alla vodka is one of my all time favourite pastas. It hits every. single. time. This pasta consists of a vibrant creamy tomato sauce that’s infused with vodka, and seasoned with garlic, herbs, and parmesan. No matter the occasion, this pasta will always have your back.

Info and tips

I think one of the biggest questions people ask is “can I make this without the vodka”? Short answer: yes you can. Essentially the vodka adds acidity to the sauce. I’ve tried this recipe with and without the vodka and both are amazing. If you are looking for a substitute I would recommend a squeeze of lemon.

When you are cooking your pasta be sure to remove just before it is al dente. The pasta will finish cooking for a couple minutes in the sauce. Make sure to reserve a little bit of pasta water for the sauce. The salty water adds flavour, binds the sauce to the pasta, and thickens the sauce!

Make sure you are using a fresh parmigiano reggiano for thus recipe. Trust me it makes such a difference! Yes that means no kraft parmesan.

Ingredients

• 4 cloves garlic
• 1/2 onion
• salt and pepper
• red pepper flakes
• oregano
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• splash of vodka
• 1 cup heavy cream
• splash pasta water
• pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• parmigiano reggiano
• fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Begin by boiling your pasta in salted water until almost al dente. Drain, oil, and set aside. Make sure to save some pasta water for the sauce.
2. Mince your garlic and onion. Add onion to a oiled pan on medium heat. Cook down for a couple minutes before adding the garlic and seasonings. Next Add more oil if needed and continue to cook until soft and fragrant.
3. Add in the tomato paste and cook for roughly one minute. Add in the vodka and mix (the alcohol will evaporate after about 30 seconds). Next add in the heavy cream and mix together.
4. Add in the reserved pasta water and pasta. Add in butter and parmesan. Fold together until incorporated. Top with more parmesan and parsley and enjoy! 🙂

See below for a video tutorial!

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Penne Alla Vodka

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Pastas – Italian

By Kenna's Cooks – Serves: 2

Prep Time: 5 minutes – Cooking Time: 15 minutes – Total Time: 20 minutes

This pasta consists of a vibrant creamy tomato sauce that's infused with vodka, and seasoned with garlic, herbs, and parmesan.

Ingredients

• 4 cloves garlic
• 1/2 onion
• salt and pepper
• red pepper flakes
• oregano
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• splash of vodka
• 1 cup heavy cream
• splash pasta water
• pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• parmigiano reggiano
• fresh parsley

Instructions

1

Begin by boiling your pasta in salted water until almost al dente. Drain, oil, and set aside. Make sure to save some pasta water for the sauce.

2

Mince your garlic and onion. Add onion to a oiled pan on medium heat. Cook down for a couple minutes before adding the garlic and seasonings. Next Add more oil if needed and continue to cook until soft and fragrant.

3

Add in the tomato paste and cook for roughly one minute. Add in the vodka and mix (the alcohol will evaporate after about 30 seconds). Next add in the heavy cream and mix together.

4

Add in the reserved pasta water and pasta. Add in butter and parmesan. Fold together until incorporated. Top with more parmesan and parsley and enjoy! 🙂

Notes

Vodka can be substituted for a squeeze of lemon.