Penne alla Vodka

Name: Penne alla Vodka
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb penne pasta; 2 tbsp butter; 1 shallot, minced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tbsp tomato paste; 1/2 cup vodka; 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz can); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 tbsp fresh basil, torn

Silky cream sauce infused with tomato, vodka and a hint of spice. A rich, elegant Italian-American pasta that feels special.

30 minEasyServes 4420 cal/serving

Italian-AmericanDinnerStovetopVegetarian

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Ingredients

1 lb penne pasta
2 tbsp butter
1 shallot, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 cup vodka
1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz can)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tbsp fresh basil, torn

Instructions

1

Cook 1 lb penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2

Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 minced shallot and 2 cloves minced garlic, cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
3

Stir in 3 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
4

Carefully add 1/2 cup vodka and let simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and cook off alcohol.
5

Add 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz can) and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
6

Reduce heat to low and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
7

Toss cooked penne with sauce. Season with 1/2 tsp salt.
8

Top with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tbsp torn fresh basil. Serve immediately.

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Questions

How do I know when Penne alla Vodka is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 6: cook until heated through.

Is there a substitute for Parmesan in Penne alla Vodka?

The entry for Penne alla Vodka calls for 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated. In its place: Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano, measure for measure. For dairy-free, use nutritional yeast at half the volume.

Can I make Penne alla Vodka less spicy?

Yes. The heat in Penne alla Vodka comes from 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. For a milder plate, halve the pepper flakes; nothing else in the method changes.

Can I make Penne alla Vodka dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Penne alla Vodka is 2 tbsp butter, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated. Swap the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed; the cream for full-fat coconut milk or an oat cooking cream; the cheese for a plant-based melting cheese (expect a milder flavor). The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Is Penne alla Vodka vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 2 tbsp butter, 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan dinner collection.

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