Creamy Vodka Penne with Prosciutto
Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of this delightful Creamy Vodka Penne with Prosciutto. Perfectly cooked penne pasta is enveloped in a luxurious sauce made from sautéed onions, crispy prosciutto, and a touch of vodka that adds depth and character. Finished with heavy cream and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this dish strikes the perfect balance between savory and slightly spicy. A must-try for any pasta lover, and it's easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for entertaining guests. Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal!
4
Servings
345
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 (chopped)
prosciutto
4 ounces (chopped)
extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
butter
1 tablespoon (none)
vodka
1/2 cup (none)
tomato puree
1 (15 ounce) can (none)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/8-1/2 teaspoon (depending on spice preference)
heavy cream
1/2 cup (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
parmesan cheese
1/2-3/4 cup (grated)
penne pasta
3/4-1 pound (cooked)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and bubbling.
2
Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it's translucent and fragrant.
3
Stir in the chopped prosciutto and continue to sauté for an additional 2 minutes, allowing it to crisp slightly.
4
Carefully pour in the vodka, raise the heat to high, and let it cook for about 4 minutes until the alcohol has evaporated.
5
Reduce the heat to medium and add the tomato puree and crushed red pepper flakes (or sambal oelek). Allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, simmering for an additional minute until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
7
Season the sauce with salt to taste.
8
Add the hot cooked penne pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
9
Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and integrate into the sauce.
10
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese on the side for those who desire a little more.
Nutrition Information
19.5
Fat
31
Carbs
10.25
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Vodka Penne with Prosciutto?
It is a rich and creamy pasta dish featuring penne enveloped in a sauce made from onions, crispy prosciutto, vodka, tomato puree, and heavy cream.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the primary ingredients for the vodka sauce?
The sauce is made using onion, prosciutto, extra virgin olive oil, butter, vodka, tomato puree, crushed red pepper flakes, heavy cream, salt, and parmesan cheese.
How much vodka is required for this recipe?
You will need 1/2 cup of vodka.
Does the alcohol in the vodka stay in the dish?
No, the vodka is cooked on high heat for about 4 minutes until the alcohol has evaporated.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 3/4 to 1 pound of cooked penne pasta.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 345 calories per serving.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a slight spice from 1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to your preference.
Can I substitute the red pepper flakes?
Yes, you can use sambal oelek as a substitute for the crushed red pepper flakes.
What meat is included in this dish?
The recipe includes 4 ounces of chopped prosciutto.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onions for about 5 minutes until they are translucent and fragrant.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 19.5 grams of fat.
How much protein does this pasta dish provide?
There are 10.25 grams of protein per serving.
What amount of carbohydrates is in a serving?
There are 31 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I prepare the prosciutto?
The prosciutto should be chopped and then sautéed for 2 minutes until it becomes slightly crisp.
What type of tomato base is used?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of tomato puree.
How much heavy cream is added to the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of heavy cream.
When should I add the Parmesan cheese?
Stir in the Parmesan cheese after removing the sauce from the heat to allow it to melt and integrate.
How much Parmesan cheese do I need?
You will need 1/2 to 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Is this an Italian-inspired dish?
Yes, it is tagged as Italian and features classic Italian ingredients like prosciutto, parmesan, and pasta.
What should I serve with Creamy Vodka Penne?
It is recommended to serve this dish with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
How long do I simmer the tomato puree?
Allow the tomato puree and red pepper flakes to simmer for 5 minutes before adding the cream.
Is this recipe suitable for entertaining guests?
Yes, it is described as impressive enough for entertaining while still being easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
What kind of oil and butter are used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
How much salt is added?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or more to taste.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pasta, penne, vodka sauce, creamy, prosciutto, easy recipes, italian, and comfort food.
Should the pasta be cold or hot when added to the sauce?
The pasta should be hot and freshly cooked when added to the sauce.
How do you ensure the pasta is well coated?
Toss the hot penne gently in the skillet with the sauce until it is evenly coated.
How long is the heavy cream simmered?
The heavy cream is simmered for an additional minute until the sauce is creamy and combined.
Can I add extra cheese?
Yes, you can garnish the served dish with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.