Creamy Penne alla Vodka is an iconic Italian-American dish that features al dente penne pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce. The bright orange sauce is made from crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and a splash of vodka, creating a delightful balance of flavors. This comforting pasta dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, offering a satisfying blend of creaminess and tanginess that will please any palate.
Ingredient benefits
How the main ingredients in this dish support your health
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Penne Pasta
Penne pasta is a great source of carbohydrates, providing energy for your body. It's versatile and pairs well with various sauces.
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Crushed Tomatoes
Crushed tomatoes are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which is beneficial for heart health.
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Heavy Cream
Heavy cream adds a rich, creamy texture to dishes and contains essential fats that can help with nutrient absorption.
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Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, contributing to bone health and muscle function.
Preparation
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Step 1 11 min
Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook until perfectly al dente, about 11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the noodles in a colander and set aside.
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Step 2 10 min
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant but not browned. Carefully pour in the vodka and let it simmer rapidly for 3-4 minutes, allowing most of the alcohol to evaporate. Then, add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine, and let the mixture simmer gently for another 6 minutes to develop the flavors.
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Step 3
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the tomato mixture. As you mix, watch the sauce transform into a beautiful, velvety bright orange color. This will take about 1-2 minutes. Taste the sauce and season with salt as needed.
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Step 4
Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.
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Step 5
Once the pasta is heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Let it sit for a minute to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. This will enhance the creamy texture of the dish.
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Step 6
Serve the Creamy Penne alla Vodka hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy this comforting dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
