Penne Alla Vodka(Yield: 4-6 Servings)
A creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring vodka, tomatoes, prosciutto, and butter, perfect for a rich and satisfying meal suitable for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped garlic and cook until golden and fragrant.
- Add the sliced prosciutto and cook until slightly crispy.
- Stir in the chopped canned tomatoes and cook for about 10 minutes to simmer.
- Pour in the vodka and cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cook until heated through.
- Meanwhile, cook the penne in salted boiling water until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss to combine, season with salt to taste, and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a slightly different flavor, try adding crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or switch out the prosciutto for pancetta. If you're looking for a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. This dish can also be made vegetarian by omitting the prosciutto and adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach, making it a great option for vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Penne Alla Vodka is delicious on its own but can be enhanced with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil. Serve it alongside a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish also pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Vegetable Cheese Lasagna for a delightful dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Penne Alla Vodka(Yield: 4-6 Servings) contains roughly 949 calories, with 6g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 93g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (17% of the Daily Value) and protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 584mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of pasta instead of penne?
Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so check the package instructions to ensure the pasta is perfectly al dente.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, cook the pasta and combine with the heated sauce. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while saving you time on busy nights.
What can I serve with Penne Alla Vodka?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or crusty garlic bread. You may also consider serving it alongside a light appetizer like bruschetta to round out your meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).