Creamy Penne alla Vodka

Name: Creamy Penne alla Vodka
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 500 g penne or ziti; 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 small onion; 2 clove garlic; 1/2 cup tomato paste; 1 1/4 cup heavy / thickened cream; 1/3 cup vodka; 50 g 1 loosely packed cup freshly grated parmesan; 2 tsp cooking salt; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes , 100% optional; 1 pinch Pinch black pepper; 1/2 cup cup+ pasta cooking water; 2 tsp parsley

A classic Italian-American comfort dish featuring a rich, velvety tomato and cream sauce with a hint of vodka. This quick and easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

Servings4 Portions

Prep Time5 Mins

Cook Time15 Mins

Difficulty

Easy

Ingredients

penne or ziti
500 g
olive oil
0.5 tbsp
small onion
0.5
garlic
2 clove
tomato paste
0.5 cup
heavy / thickened cream
0.3 cup
vodka
0.3 cup
1 loosely packed cup freshly grated parmesan
50 g
cooking salt
2 tsp
red pepper flakes , 100% optional
0.5 tsp
Pinch black pepper
1 pinch
cup+ pasta cooking water
0.5 cup
parsley
2 tsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the cooking salt. Cook the penne or ziti according to the package directions until al dente.

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pot or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion and garlic for about 1.5 minutes until they become translucent.

Add the tomato paste to the pan. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the paste darkens in color and becomes fragrant. Lower the heat if it starts to catch on the bottom.

Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to fully dissolve the tomato paste into the liquid. Add the red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and vodka.

Simmer the sauce on low heat for 3 minutes, stirring regularly. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan until it has completely melted into the sauce, then turn off the heat.