Creamy Spicy Penne alla Vodka
Silky penne pasta in a creamy tomato vodka sauce with garlic, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil for a spicy, flavorful dinner option.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 large skillet
- 1 colander
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Pour in vodka and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to cook off the alcohol and concentrate the flavor.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, reduce heat to low, and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the pasta, toss gently, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use penne rigate for better sauce adherence.
- Vodka enhances the tomato's natural sweetness.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spiciness.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version.