A creamy and spicy pasta dish with vodka-infused tomato sauce.
A creamy and spicy pasta dish with vodka-infused tomato sauce.

Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4tbspOlive Oil
- 1pieceMedium Spanish Onion, chopped
- 3cloveGarlic, minced
- 1/2tspCrushed Red Pepper Flakes
- 2tspDried Oregano
- 1cupVodka
- 2canWhole Peeled Plum Tomatoes (28 oz each)
- 13ozPenne Pasta
- 4tbspFresh Basil, finely chopped, divided
- 4tbspHeavy Cream
- Kosher Salt, to taste
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, to taste
How to make Penne alla Vodka
Preparation
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof sauté pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent.
Add crushed red pepper flakes and dried oregano, and cook for a minute more. Add vodka and continue cooking until the mixture is reduced by half, about 5 to 7 minutes more.
Drain the whole peeled plum tomatoes through a sieve. Crush the tomatoes into the pan with your hands. Add kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and place it in the oven for 1½ hours.
Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta al dente. Drain and set aside.
Place the tomato mixture in a blender or food processor and purée in batches until smooth. Return sauce to the pan.
Reheat the sauce, add fresh basil and heavy cream to make the sauce creamy. Add kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Toss the pasta into the sauce and cook for 2 minutes more.
Stir in a generous handful of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. Serve with an additional sprinkle of cheese and fresh basil divided between each plate.
Tips & Tricks
Be careful when crushing the tomatoes by hand to avoid making a mess.
Adjust the amount of heavy cream to achieve your desired creaminess.
FAQS
Can I substitute the vodka in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute vodka with white wine or omit it entirely for a non-alcoholic version. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the spiciness, you can add more crushed red pepper flakes or include a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
What type of pasta can I use instead of penne?
You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, cook the pasta, and combine them.
What can I serve with Penne alla Vodka?
Penne alla Vodka pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
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Saramin
(@678sarin)
My name is Saramin is a culinary enthusiast with a flair for transforming everyday ingredients into delightful, flavour-packed dishes. Passionate about home cooking, Sarin specializes in creating easy-to-follow recipes inspired by global cuisines. With a focus on fresh, wholesome ingredients, they make cooking accessible and enjoyable for cooks at any level. My name is Saramin is a culinary enthusiast with a flair for transforming everyday ingredients into delightful, flavour-packed dishes. Passionate about home cooking, Sarin specializes...
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