Penne With Vodka And Tomato Sauce
Creamy vodka and tomato sauce with penne, accented by garlic, onion, and optional prosciutto, perfect for comforting yet sophisticated weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 to 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can plum tomatoes with juices ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. crushed dried red pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup heavy cream ⓘ
- Salt to taste ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) box penne ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. finely chopped prosciutto or pancetta ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium skillet.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in finely chopped garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add chopped prosciutto or pancetta and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Pour in vodka and add crushed dried red pepper; simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add canned plum tomatoes with juices, stirring to break up the tomatoes.
- Simmer the sauce for 10 to 15 minutes until reduced and thickened.
- Slowly stir in room temperature heavy cream.
- Reduce heat and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother sauce, blend the canned tomatoes before adding them to the pan. If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to increase the amount of crushed red pepper. You can substitute pancetta with bacon for a smoky flavor. Fresh basil can replace parsley for a different herb profile. This dish pairs well with garlic bread, such as California Garlic Bread, for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the penne with vodka and tomato sauce hot, garnished with chopped parsley. A side salad or steamed vegetables complements the richness of the dish. This recipe pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like My Friend'S Lasagna for a delightful dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pasta gummy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Penne With Vodka And Tomato Sauce contains roughly 690 calories, with 13g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (293% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (50% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2363mg per serving (103% 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 make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the prosciutto or pancetta and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if you choose to add liquid. You could also incorporate vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added flavor.
What type of vodka should I use?
Use a mid-range vodka for cooking, as high-end brands can be wasted in the sauce. A vodka you enjoy drinking will enhance the flavor, but there’s no need to splurge. Avoid flavored vodkas, as they can alter the taste of the sauce.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the vodka sauce a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before tossing it with freshly cooked penne. Just keep in mind that the flavors will deepen overnight, making it even more delicious!
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).