Vodka-Infused Creamy Tomato Penne
Indulge in this luxurious, smooth, and creamy tomato vodka sauce infused with the rich flavors of garlic, onions, and a hint of spice. This elegant dish perfectly coats al dente penne pasta, creating a harmonious blend that tantalizes your taste buds. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's an exquisite meal perfect for casual dinners or entertaining guests. Pair with a fine vodka you enjoy sipping, as its quality shines through in this outstanding sauce.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne pasta
1 lb (cooked al dente)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
onion
1 (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
4 (crushed and chopped)
crushed tomatoes
56 ounces (none)
hot pepper flakes
1 pinch (none)
vodka
3/4 cup (top shelf)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
heavy cream
3/4 cup (none)
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
to taste (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the finely chopped onions and crushed garlic. Sauté gently until the onions are translucent and aromatic, about 5 minutes.
2
Sprinkle in the hot pepper flakes and cook for an additional minute to release their spicy warmth.
3
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring well to combine with the aromatic base. Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a lively simmer.
4
Carefully add the vodka, ensuring it blends seamlessly. Season with a generous pinch of salt and a touch of freshly ground black pepper. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 8 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the alcohol to evaporate.
5
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, creating a luscious and velvety consistency. Add the cooked, drained penne pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat each piece thoroughly.
6
Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the pasta. Stir well, and then grate a substantial amount of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese over the dish using a fine grater.
7
Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated parmesan and a few red pepper flakes for an extra kick if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vodka-Infused Creamy Tomato Penne?
It is a luxurious and smooth pasta dish featuring a creamy tomato sauce infused with garlic, onions, vodka, and a hint of spice.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This recipe is quick and easy, taking under 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
Is this pasta dish vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
What type of pasta is best for this sauce?
Penne pasta is the recommended choice as its shape perfectly coats and holds the creamy sauce.
What kind of vodka should I use?
You should use a high-quality or 'top shelf' vodka that you would enjoy sipping, as its quality impacts the final flavor.
Does the alcohol in the vodka evaporate?
Yes, the sauce is simmered for about 8 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the majority of the alcohol to evaporate.
How do I achieve a creamy consistency?
A luscious and velvety consistency is achieved by stirring in 3/4 cup of heavy cream at the end of the cooking process.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild warmth from a pinch of hot pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to your preference.
What kind of tomatoes are used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 56 ounces of crushed tomatoes to create a smooth and rich base.
How should I cook the onions and garlic?
Sauté the finely chopped onions and crushed garlic in olive oil over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes until translucent.
What type of cheese is used for garnish?
Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is used to add a salty, nutty finish to the dish.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
While fresh parsley is recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried parsley if necessary.
How long should the sauce simmer after adding vodka?
The sauce should simmer uncovered for about 8 minutes.
What does the vodka do for the sauce?
The vodka helps to emulsify the cream and tomatoes and enhances the aromatic qualities of the sauce.
How should the penne be prepared?
The penne should be cooked al dente before being added to the sauce.
Can I add more spice to this recipe?
Yes, you can garnish with additional red pepper flakes at the end for an extra kick.
Is extra virgin olive oil required?
Yes, extra virgin olive oil is used to sauté the aromatics and provides a rich base for the sauce.
What tools do I need to make the sauce?
You will need a large skillet for the sauce and a fine grater for the cheese.
Can I make this dish for a dinner party?
Absolutely; it is described as an elegant dish perfect for entertaining guests.
Do I need to cover the skillet while simmering?
No, the sauce should simmer uncovered to allow it to thicken and the alcohol to reduce.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
While heavy cream provides the best texture, you could try alternatives, though the sauce may be less rich.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is heating olive oil and sautéing onions and garlic.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe calls for 4 crushed and chopped garlic cloves.
When do I add the cooked pasta?
Add the cooked, drained penne to the sauce after the heavy cream has been stirred in.
Is this a heavy or light meal?
It is described as a rich and comforting meal, categorized under comfort food.
Can I use other pasta shapes like rigatoni?
Yes, other tubular pasta shapes like rigatoni would also work well with this thick, creamy sauce.
Should I season the sauce with salt?
Yes, season the sauce with a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper after adding the vodka.
How do I serve the dish?
Serve immediately garnished with grated parmesan and additional red pepper flakes if desired.
Is it necessary to use freshly ground black pepper?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor profile in the sauce.