Creamy Vodka Penne with Savory Prosciutto
Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of this Creamy Vodka Penne with Savory Prosciutto. This classic Italian dish combines the al dente goodness of penne pasta with a luscious, aromatic sauce that features sautéed shallots and onions, savory prosciutto, and a vibrant mix of tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Finished off with a splash of vodka and a generous pour of light cream, this dish is perfect for a weeknight family dinner or a special gathering with friends. Serve it hot and watch your loved ones savor every bite of this hearty, gourmet experience.
6
Servings
300
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Shallot
1 (chopped)
Onion
1 (chopped)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Tomato Paste
6 ounces (canned)
Prosciutto
4 ounces (chopped)
Vodka
2 ounces
Crushed Tomatoes
28 ounces (canned)
Light Cream
1/2 pint
Penne Pasta
1 lb (cooked)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped onions and shallots to the pan. Sauté for about 2 minutes, or until they become translucent and fragrant.
3
Stir in the tomato paste, chopped prosciutto, and vodka, mixing thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
4
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring well to incorporate. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5
Cover the saucepan and let the sauce simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6
After simmering, remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the light cream until fully incorporated.
7
Serve the sauce over the cooked penne pasta, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
40g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Vodka Penne with Savory Prosciutto?
It is a classic Italian pasta dish featuring penne in a rich, creamy sauce made with shallots, onions, prosciutto, tomato, and a splash of vodka.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of cooked penne pasta.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 10g of fat per serving in this dish.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 7.5g of protein.
What are the primary aromatics used in the sauce?
The sauce starts with one chopped shallot and one chopped onion sautéed in olive oil.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer covered for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I substitute light cream with something else?
While the recipe calls for 1/2 pint of light cream, you can use heavy cream for a richer texture or half-and-half for a lighter version.
How much vodka is required for the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 ounces of vodka.
What kind of tomatoes are used in this sauce?
The recipe uses a combination of 6 ounces of tomato paste and 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes.
How much prosciutto is needed?
You will need 4 ounces of chopped prosciutto.
When should I add the cream to the sauce?
The light cream should be stirred in after the sauce has finished simmering and has been removed from the heat.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 40g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is the pasta cooked in the sauce?
No, the penne pasta should be cooked separately and then the sauce is served over it.
Do I need to stir the sauce while it simmers?
Yes, you should stir the sauce occasionally during the hour-long simmer to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
What oil is recommended for sautéing?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are used for sautéing the onions and shallots.
Can I add garnishes to this dish?
Yes, it is recommended to garnish with fresh herbs if desired before serving.
How long do I sauté the onions and shallots?
Sauté them for about 2 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
Is this dish considered a quick meal?
While the preparation is straightforward, the 1-hour simmer time makes it more of a slow-cooked comfort meal.
What is the preparation for the prosciutto?
The prosciutto should be chopped before being added to the saucepan.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the 1 lb of penne with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety.
Does the alcohol in the vodka cook off?
Most of the alcohol content evaporates during the simmering process, leaving behind a unique flavor profile.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Pasta dishes.
How many main ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients used to make this dish.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of crushed canned tomatoes?
You can, but you may need to adjust the cooking time or liquid content to achieve the same consistency as the 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes.
What heat setting is used for the initial sauté?
The olive oil and aromatics should be heated over medium heat.
Is this a hearty dish?
Yes, with the combination of pasta, cream, and prosciutto, it is described as a hearty gourmet experience.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared ahead of time and reheated, adding the cream just before serving for the best texture.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The specific serving size in grams or cups isn't specified, but the total yield is intended for 6 people.