penne alla vodka
During this time of quarantine, my friend Ali Clarke who is based in LA wanted to do a live class with me on Instagram. We searched our pantries and fridge to see what we had in common. Thanks to these pantry staples, Penne alla Vodka was created! It is the ultimate quick and easy pasta dish. Once you make this from scratch, you’ll never pick up a jar of prepared sauce from the supermarket again.
penne alla vodka
Prep time: 20 minutes | Total time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
1 pound penne or any short pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, optional
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Kosher salt
1/2 cup vodka
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
Grated Parmesan, for serving
Instructions:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil; add the pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 /2 cup cooking water, then drain the pasta.
In a large saute pan with high sides, heat the oil or butter over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the onion and cook until softened and translucent, 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic, crushed red pepper, oregano and season with salt. Cook the garlic for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
Remove the pan from the heat and add in the vodka. Place back over the heat until the vodka simmers for about 30 seconds to cook off some of the alcohol and then add in the crushed tomatoes. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook until the sauce thickens up, about 5 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream until just to combine, about 1 minute. Add in the pasta, stirring to coat then pasta.
When ready to serve, divide into bowls and top with additional sauce. Garnish with grated parmesan. Enjoy!
Cook’s Note
What is vodka sauce?
Vodka sauce is an Italian-American cuisine sauce made from a smooth tomato sauce, vodka, typical Italian herbs and heavy cream, which gives the sauce its distinctive orange coloration. It is a key ingredient in penne alla vodka.