Imagine a plate of creamy, luxurious pasta that combines the rich flavors of vodka sauce, tender ground beef, and perfectly cooked penne - a dish that will make your taste buds dance with excitement! This isn't just another pasta recipe; it's a restaurant-quality meal you can easily create in your own kitchen. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a gourmet weeknight meal, this Penne alla Vodka with Ground Beef is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz penne pasta, 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup vodka, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup marinara sauce, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 clove garlic (minced), and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the beef is cooked, carefully pour in the vodka. Allow it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the alcohol has cooked off and the liquid has reduced slightly.
- Next, stir in the marinara sauce and heavy cream. Mix well to combine all the ingredients, and let the sauce simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Once the penne pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander, reserving a small amount of pasta water. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the vodka sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the Penne alla Vodka with Ground Beef hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian meal!
Tips
- Use high-quality vodka for the best flavor - the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a subtle depth that elevates the entire dish.
- Don't rush the beef browning process. Allow it to develop a nice golden-brown color for maximum flavor.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic - it can quickly turn bitter. Sauté it just until fragrant.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water can help you adjust the sauce's consistency if needed.
- For an extra creamy sauce, use full-fat heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Let the sauce simmer gently to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken naturally.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature - this dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 130mg
