Family Favorite Penne alla Vodka Pasta Recipe
Penne Alla Vodka is easier to make than you might think. Simmer butter, vodka, tomatoes, and cream together, then stir in cheese and noodles!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 6 ounces vodka
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- chopped flat leaf Italian parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt two sticks of butter.
- When butter is completely melted, add garlic. Saute for 30 seconds. Add vodka while whisking constantly to combine.
- Still cooking over medium heat, hold a lit match to the top of the butter/Vodka sauce until it catches fire. The flame will run across the whole top of the sauce and then burn out on its own.
- Whisk in tomato paste and heavy cream. Bring sauce to a simmer and cook over low heat for 30-45 minutes or until there is no longer a bitter after-taste from the vodka. This will ensure no alcohol remains in the sauce and will leave you with a rich, signature sauce.
- Meanwhile: boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Cooked until al dente or desired doneness.
- Drain pasta.
- Add 1/2 of the Parmesan cheese to the finished sauce and whisk until smooth.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce.
- Top with remaining parmesan cheese and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
This makes a thick, rich and creamy sauce. Plenty of sauce for a full pound of pasta.
The vodka does add flavor to the sauce, so I would recommend using your favorite vodka or a high quality brand.
We love this with cooked & chopped chicken breast added in. We also love ground beef and onions. You can cook that in a separate pan and then stir it in once the pasta is done.
The recipe is perfect doubled for to feed a crowd.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 1016cal | Carbohydrates: 97g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 31g | Cholesterol: 139mg | Sodium: 761mg | Sugar: 10g | Fiber: 5g | Calcium: 200mg | Iron: 3mg