Penne with Vodka Sauce
This has been a crazy week for me. Mother’s day, finals, preparing for Blogher Food, and my boyfriend leaving town for 6 weeks. Blah. I was a little worried about keeping up with posting on here but luckily I’ve got a few recipes up my sleeve.
Last week I was flipping through my recipe binder – the one where I add recipes clipped from magazines – and I was reminded of this one for Penne with Vodka Sauce. I realized it has been way too long since I posted one of my favorite types of food – pasta! There’s nothing better than a warm plate of creamy, fragrant pasta. Just the scent of pasta boiling in the pot makes my mouth water. In fact, writing this post has made me want some pasta for lunch…
Recipe Rundown
Taste: Tangy with a slight spice and kick that hits the back of your throat.
Texture: Dreamy, creamy, cheesy, and smooooth.
Ease: Very easy.
Appearance: How could this dish look bad? Especially when it’s garnished with cheese and basil.
Pros: Full of flavor and easy. The recipe as is can be a great lunch or light dinner. Throw some grilled chicken or sausage in and you have a heartier meal.
Cons: None.
Would I make this again? Yes.
Penne with Vodka Sauce
Adapted from Food Network Magazine
Serves 4
- Kosher salt
- 12 ounces whole-wheat penne
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 shallots, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- Handful of fresh basil leaves, torn, plus more for topping
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook as the package directs. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
Remove from the heat and stir in the vodka, tomatoes and salt to taste. Return the skillet to medium heat and simmer, stirring often, until the alcohol cooks off, about 7 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. Stir in the parmesan and basil.
Add the pasta to the sauce and toss to combine, adding some of the reserved cooking water to loosen, if needed. Season with salt. Serve topped with more parmesan and basil.
Mmm I love a good vodka sauce!
Looks delicious! This is one of my favorite pasta dishes.
There is nothing better then a delicous dish of pasta with a nice salad and crusty bread! This looks like the perfect pasta dish!
Vodka Penne is one of the first “real meals” I learned how to make. I can't believe I haven't posted it on my blog! Yours looks yummy!
I've never made vodka sauce before and this sounds like the perfect recipe to start with. Thanks!
What a coincidence! I went to an italian restaurant on saturday and had an amazing penne with vodka! But instead of tomato sauce, it was a creamy white sauce with shrimp! So so good! Now I'll have to make this recipe. Thanks!
This pasta looks really delicious! I haven't tried vodka penne before, but I'm curious, in what way does the vodka influence the flavour? Does the sauce really taste a little bit like vodka? Or does it make the sauce spicy?
handleheat replied: — May 11th, 2011 @ 12:36 am
Thanks for your comment! The sauce doesn't taste like vodka, it just has a bit of a kick that hits the back of your throat.
kawaiikitchen replied: — May 11th, 2011 @ 12:29 pm
Thank you for the answer
That sounds delicious, I'll definitely have to try this recipe!
Just the smell of pasta boiling makes my mouth water too, I LOVE pasta!!!! And adding vodka to pasta, duh, done and done!
Cons… yeah, there are no cons. Looks fantastic!
Yum, I just found you and your site through Foodgawker, LOVE your pics! Simply gorgeous! What equipment do you use? I looked in the about section.. didn't see it, I was just curious.
Oh! DUH. I just saw it in your shop. LOL. Sorry!
I've been meaning to try pasta with vodka sauce for ages – thanks for the reminder!
I love it! I made it yesterday for the first time and i'm proud of myself. it taste like the ones in the restaurant. Thanks for the recipe. Really like your blog.
July
I add crumbled sausage to this and a few handfuls of frozen peas at the end to make it a full meal for the family. My kids loves this even with the touch of heat and my husbands asks for this almost weekly!
Oh and I have added this to my board on pinterest, I hope people who follow me give this a try, fool proof and wonderful!
handleheat replied: — January 16th, 2012 @ 2:42 pm
Brooke – Thanks for your kind comment and support!!