Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices? Get ready to transform your kitchen into a gourmet Italian paradise with this mouthwatering Penne alla Vodka recipe designed perfectly for one! Whether you're treating yourself to a luxurious solo dinner or looking to impress your culinary skills, this creamy, indulgent pasta dish promises to elevate your home cooking game in just 20 minutes. Prepare to embark on a flavor journey that's as easy as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup penne pasta
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a medium saucepan with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce. In a separate skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour the vodka into the skillet and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off the alcohol and reduce slightly.
- Add tomato sauce to the skillet and stir to combine with the vodka and garlic. Reduce heat to low.
- Slowly stir in the heavy cream, creating a smooth, pink-hued sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Add the drained pasta directly into the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the pasta.
- Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with additional parmesan and fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips
- Use high-quality vodka for the best flavor reduction and sauce complexity.
- Don't rush the garlic sautéing - those 30-45 seconds are crucial for developing rich flavor.
- Keep your pasta water! The starchy liquid is a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency.
- For extra richness, use freshly grated parmesan instead of pre-packaged cheese.
- Make sure to cook the alcohol out of the vodka to prevent a harsh taste.
- Stir pasta frequently while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 95mg
