Penne With Vodka And Tomato Cream Sauce
Creamy vodka and tomato sauce coats al dente penne in this rich, flavorful dish, perfect for comforting dinners or entertaining guests craving a classic Italian-inspired pasta.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter with olive oil in a heavy large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 8 minutes.
- Add drained, seeded, and chopped tomatoes and cook until almost no liquid remains, stirring frequently, about 25 minutes.
- Add whipping cream, vodka, and red pepper; bring to a boil and cook until thickened to sauce consistency, about 2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook penne pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring to prevent sticking.
- Drain pasta well.
- Transfer cooked pasta to a large bowl.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Pour the sauce over the pasta and toss well.
- Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce. You can substitute heavy cream for the whipping cream for a thicker consistency. If you're looking to lower the alcohol content, let the vodka simmer longer to cook off more of the alcohol. Fresh basil can also be added for an aromatic touch, enhancing the overall taste of this Italian dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Penne with Vodka and Tomato Cream Sauce with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to balance the rich flavors. A light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully with this dish. For a vegetarian option, consider adding sautéed vegetables, or browse more Italian recipes for complementary dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or water to the pan and warm over low heat, stirring gently until heated through. This will help restore the creamy texture of the sauce.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Penne With Vodka And Tomato Cream Sauce contains roughly 710 calories, with 14g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (283% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (87% of the Daily Value), and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly. The sauce will cling nicely to any pasta shape, ensuring great flavor in every bite.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Certainly! You can replace the whipping cream with half-and-half or a low-fat cream substitute. Additionally, using less butter and olive oil can reduce the calorie count while still maintaining flavor. Just remember to adjust seasoning as needed to maintain the dish's richness.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently on the stove before adding it to the cooked pasta. This makes for a quick meal, especially when paired with something like Quick Pasta for an easy dinner option.
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).