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Penne alla Vodka

Creamy Penne alla Vodka Ready in 30 Minutes or Less

Indulge in this creamy Penne alla Vodka, a beloved Italian dish ready in 30 minutes that combines rich flavors and vibrant ingredients.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Penne Any pasta shape can work, but penne is perfect for this dish.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Use olive oil for a lighter twist.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Shallots can be used for a milder flavor.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Freshly minced gives the best results.
  • 4 ounces Prosciutto Use bacon or pancetta as alternatives.
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes San Marzano tomatoes enhance the flavor.
  • 0.5 cups Vodka Most alcohol evaporates during cooking.
  • to taste Salt Adjust to your personal taste.
  • to taste Pepper Adjust to your personal taste.
  • 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated melts better.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Half-and-half can be used, though it may yield a thinner sauce.
  • 1 handful Fresh Basil Dried basil is a substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Optional but adds a lovely complement.

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Pot for boiling pasta

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Penne alla Vodka
  1. Sauté Onions and Prosciutto: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until foamy. Add finely chopped yellow onion and diced prosciutto, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until translucent.
  2. Add Garlic: Once softened, stir in minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Incorporate Tomatoes and Vodka: Pour in crushed tomatoes, followed by vodka, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Cook the Penne: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve pasta water before draining.
  5. Combine Sauce Ingredients: Lower the heat, stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan, fresh basil, and oregano. Mix until combined and cheese has melted.
  6. Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add drained penne to the sauce and toss gently. If too thick, add reserved pasta water.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil leaves.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 20gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat on stovetop with a splash of cream or water.

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