Penne Alla Vodka
Creamy and delicious penne alla vodka made from scratch. Don't forget to check out the step by step photos and tips above.
- Prep time
- 10 min
- Cook time
- 40 min
- Yield
- 6 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1½ cups diced yellow onion
- 1½ tsp. kosher salt (divided)
- ½ tsp. ground black pepper
- 1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup vodka
- 1 28 oz. can whole tomatoes (crushed)
- 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 16 oz. dried penne pasta
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus additional for garnish)
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat; add onion, ½ teaspoon salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Add garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes.
- 3
Add vodka; cook, stirring to release browned bits from bottom of pan.
- 4
Add tomatoes and tomato paste to pan. Bring to a simmer; reduce heat to medium low. Stir
- 5
in remaining 1 teaspoon salt; simmer until flavors meld, about 25 minutes.
- 6
Cook pasta in a pot of boiling salted water until package directions for al dente.
- 7
Reserve 1 cup pasta water; set aside. Drain pasta in a colander.
- 8
Remove tomato sauce from heat. Stir cream and ½ cup Parmesan cheese until combined.
- 9
Add reserved pasta water, ¼ cup at a time, to loosen sauce.
- 10
Garnish servings with grated Parmesan cheese and herbs.