What can I say...I LOVE penne a la vodka. It is one of my favorite pasta dishes and have been making it for years. I make it a little different from the traditional recipes. I add a lot less cream. I find that you can still get the desired taste and texture using less cream and adding a little more pasta water. Plus, it is a lot healthier then using a cup of heavy cream! I also like to add in a little pesto in to give it more flavor.
This is a great weeknight meal because the sauce will cook while the pasta water is boiling. The whole meal can be ready in 15 minutes! I love to serve this pasta with a big side salad and some cheesy garlic bread. Also, this recipe is loved by my kids. Bonus! :-)
Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
-Penne (1 box)
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-1/4 small onion (chopped)
-1/2 teaspoon dried basil
-3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
-4 large cloves of garlic
-3 tablespoons tomato paste
-3 tablespoons vodka
-15 oz can of San Marzano Crushed Tomatoes
-2 tablespoons pesto (homemade or store bought)
-1/2 teaspoon pepper
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
-3 tablespoons heavy cream
-3 tablespoons butter (salted)
-3/4 cup grated parmesan (divided)
-2 heaping tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Next Step:
-Put a large pot of water on to boil. Once boiling add salt to your water.
-Add penne and cook to al dente.
-In a large sauce pan, turn the heat to low and add the olive oil.
-Then add the onions and sauté for 1 minute.
-Add the basil, oregano, and garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Watch carefully so the garlic doesn't burn.
-Add the tomato paste and stir to coat the onions and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute.
-Add the vodka, mix, and let simmer for 2 minutes.
-Add the crushed tomatoes, pesto, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir.
-Once bubbling (on low/simmer), add the butter and heavy cream. Stir.
-Let simmer until your pasta is done.
-Before you drain the pasta, add 1/2 cup of pasta water to your sauce. Reserve another 1/2 cup to use if needed.
-Drain the pasta and immediately add to your saucepan. Mix well to coat all of the pasta.
-Add 1/3 cup shredded parmesan and the chopped fresh basil and mix.
-Serve and ENJOY!!!
*For additional recipes please follow me on Instagram @a.sprinkle.of.sweet
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