Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked penne, draped in a luxuriously creamy tomato sauce with a secret ingredient that transforms an ordinary pasta dish into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece. This Penne with Vodka and Tomato Cream Sauce isn't just another pasta recipe – it's a culinary experience that promises to elevate your home cooking game and impress even the most discerning food lovers. Get ready to discover the magic of Italian-inspired cuisine that's both incredibly simple to make and devastatingly delicious!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup vodka
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour the vodka into the skillet and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off the alcohol and concentrate the flavor.
- Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine with the vodka and garlic. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Slowly stir in the heavy cream, creating a smooth, rose-colored sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning.
- Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the vodka sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
- Remove from heat and let the pasta sit for 1-2 minutes to absorb the sauce.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Use high-quality vodka for the best flavor – the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a rich depth that enhances the entire sauce.
- Don't rush the garlic sautéing process. Low and slow is the key to preventing burning and releasing maximum flavor.
- For a silky-smooth sauce, add the heavy cream gradually and stir constantly to prevent separation.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining – its starchy nature helps bind the sauce to the pasta perfectly.
- Al dente is crucial! Test your pasta a minute before the package instructions suggest to ensure the perfect texture.
- For an extra touch of elegance, finish the dish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of high-quality Parmesan cheese.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for some of the heavy cream.Pro Tip: The secret to an amazing vodka sauce is patience – let each ingredient develop its flavor before combining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 75g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 85mg