Penne alla vodka is an iconic Italian dish that combines the rich flavors of pancetta and garlic with a creamy vodka sauce. The result is a pasta dish that's hearty, satisfying, and just a bit indulgent. It's perfect for special occasions or when you just want to treat yourself to something truly delicious.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe should be readily available at your local supermarket. However, if you can't find pancetta, you can substitute it with bacon. Also, go for whole Italian tomatoes for their robust flavor. As for the vodka, it's used to enhance the other flavors in the sauce, so don't worry - you won't taste it in the finished dish.
Ingredients Needed for Penne alla Vodka Dish
Penne: This is a tube-shaped pasta that's perfect for holding onto the rich, creamy sauce.
Pancetta: An Italian type of bacon that's salt-cured and slightly sweet.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
Garlic: Adds a pungent flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Vodka: Enhances the flavors in the sauce.
Italian tomatoes: They're sweeter and have less water content than regular tomatoes.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a bit of heat to the dish. Adjust to your liking.
Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its signature creamy texture.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the dish.
Parsley: Freshens up the dish and adds a pop of color.
One reader, Denyse Duarte says:
This penne alla vodka dish is a game-changer! The creamy sauce and perfectly cooked penne create a heavenly combination. The hint of vodka adds a unique twist, making it a standout dish. It's a must-try for anyone who loves Italian cuisine. I can't wait to make it again!
Techniques Required for Making Penne Alla Vodka
How to cook pancetta and garlic: In a large skillet, cook the pancetta and garlic in butter over medium-low heat until the pancetta is crispy and the garlic is fragrant. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
How to simmer the vodka and tomatoes: After adding the vodka, let the mixture simmer for about 2 minutes to allow the alcohol to cook off. Then, stir in the Italian tomatoes, slightly breaking them up with a spoon, and let the sauce simmer for 8-10 minutes to develop the flavors.
How to incorporate the cream: Once the tomato mixture has simmered, add the heavy cream and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the cream is fully incorporated into the sauce.
How to combine the penne with the sauce: After adding the cooked penne to the sauce, let it cook for about 1 minute to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir the penne into the sauce until it is well coated.
How to finish the dish with parmesan and parsley: Once the penne is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in ½ cup of parmesan cheese. Then, divide the penne alla vodka into bowls and top each serving with a sprinkle of parsley and the remaining parmesan cheese.
How To Make Penne alla Vodka
The vodka-infused tomato sauce in this penne alla vodka adds a great depth of flavor to this pasta dish. Serve with lots of parmesan cheese!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbpenne,cooked al dente
- 4ozpancetta,chopped
- 2tbspbutter
- 4clovesgarlic,minced
- ⅓cupvodka
- 28ozwhole Italian tomatoes,with juices
- ½tspred pepper flakes
- ⅔cupheavy cream
- ¾cupparmesan cheese,grated, divided
- 3tbspparsley
Instructions
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Cook garlic in butter over medium low heat until fragrant. Add pancetta and cook 2 more minutes.
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Add vodka and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in chili flakes and tomatoes slightly breaking up with a spoon. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes.
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Add cream and cook for 5 minutes. Add penne to the sauce and cook for 1 minute to combine flavors. Season with salt and pepper.
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Remove from heat, stir in ½ cup parmesan cheese.
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Place in bowls and top with parsley and remaining parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Calories: 613.55kcal
- Fat: 27.36g
- Saturated Fat: 14.34g
- Trans Fat: 0.18g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.69g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.38g
- Carbohydrates: 64.00g
- Fiber: 4.13g
- Sugar: 6.64g
- Protein: 20.83g
- Cholesterol: 71.52mg
- Sodium: 404.20mg
- Calcium: 274.73mg
- Potassium: 577.49mg
- Iron: 1.74mg
- Vitamin A: 246.03µg
- Vitamin C: 21.45mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Penne Alla Vodka
When cooking the penne, it's important to ensure it's al dente, or firm to the bite. This will prevent the pasta from becoming too soft or mushy when it's added to the sauce. To achieve this, cook the pasta for one or two minutes less than the package instructions. Then, when you add the pasta to the sauce, it will continue to cook and absorb the flavors, resulting in a perfectly textured and flavorful dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Penne Alla Vodka
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and prepare the necessary components in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup and save time.
Batch cooking: Prepare larger quantities of certain ingredients or dishes and freeze them for future use, reducing the need for frequent cooking sessions.
Time-saving tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors, slow cookers, and pressure cookers to expedite meal preparation.
Efficient organization: Keep your kitchen well-organized to easily locate ingredients and cooking tools, saving time during meal preparation.
Substitute Ingredients For Penne alla Vodka Recipe
Penne - Substitute with rigatoni: Rigatoni is a similar tube-shaped pasta that can hold the creamy vodka sauce just as well as penne.
Pancetta - Substitute with bacon: Bacon can be used as a substitute for pancetta due to its similar smoky and salty flavor profile.
Vodka - Substitute with white wine: White wine can be used as a substitute for vodka to add acidity and depth to the sauce.
Heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used as a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream, adding a rich and creamy texture to the dish.
Parmesan cheese - Substitute with Pecorino Romano: Pecorino Romano is a suitable substitute for Parmesan cheese, providing a similar salty and nutty flavor to the dish.
Best Ways to Present Penne Alla Vodka
Elevate the plating: When presenting the dish, focus on creating a visually appealing arrangement on the plate. Use fresh basil and grated parmesan to add color and texture to the dish.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Drizzle a small amount of extra virgin olive oil in a circular motion on top of the penne alla vodka to add a touch of elegance and flavor.
Garnish with microgreens: Sprinkle a handful of micro basil over the dish for a pop of freshness and a delicate, sophisticated touch.
Use elegant serving ware: Choose fine dining plates to showcase the penne alla vodka, enhancing the overall dining experience for the judges.
Add a touch of edible gold leaf: For a luxurious touch, consider adding a delicate piece of edible gold leaf to the dish, creating a visually stunning presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Penne Alla Vodka
- Pasta pot: A large pot with a strainer insert, specifically designed for cooking pasta. It allows for easy draining of the cooked pasta.
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan with sloping sides, used for frying, sautéing, and searing ingredients.
- Wooden spoon: A kitchen utensil used for stirring, mixing, and serving. It is gentle on cookware and ideal for use with non-stick surfaces.
- Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing a variety of ingredients.
- Grater: A kitchen tool with sharp-edged perforations used to shred or grate foods such as cheese, vegetables, or chocolate.
- Garlic press: A handheld tool used to crush garlic cloves, extracting their flavor and aroma.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential tools for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforations used for draining liquids from foods such as pasta or vegetables.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pot with a long handle and a lid, used for preparing sauces, soups, and boiling liquids.
- Grater: A kitchen tool with sharp-edged perforations used to shred or grate foods such as cheese, vegetables, or chocolate.
- Cutting board: A durable surface for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients, protecting countertops and providing a stable work area.
Storing and Freezing Penne Alla Vodka
Allow the penne alla vodka to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the pasta from becoming soggy and the sauce from separating.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled penne alla vodka to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating refrigerated penne alla vodka, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through. You can also reheat it in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a splash of water or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
For longer storage, penne alla vodka can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, transfer the cooled pasta and sauce to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
When ready to enjoy the frozen penne alla vodka, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat the thawed pasta in a microwave or saucepan as described above, adding a little water or cream to the sauce if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.
If you prefer to freeze the pasta and sauce separately, cook the penne until slightly underdone (about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions). Toss the pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, then store it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze the sauce separately in another container or bag. When ready to serve, thaw both components, combine them in a saucepan, and heat over medium-low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or cream if needed.
How To Reheat Penne Alla Vodka Leftovers
Reheat the penne alla vodka in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This method ensures that the pasta and sauce are evenly heated without drying out or burning. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of heavy cream or pasta water to loosen it up.
For a quick and easy reheating option, place the leftover penne alla vodka in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pasta is heated through. The damp paper towel helps prevent the pasta from drying out during the reheating process.
If you have a bit more time, consider reheating the penne alla vodka in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and transfer the pasta to an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly and develop a delicious crust.
For a crispy twist, reheat the penne alla vodka in a skillet. Melt a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover pasta and spread it out evenly in the pan. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom of the pasta develops a golden-brown crust. Stir the pasta and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your penne alla vodka for a crispy texture without the need for additional oil. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the leftover pasta in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the pasta is heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
Random Fact About Penne Alla Vodka
Penne alla vodka is a popular Italian-American dish that was created in the 1980s. Despite its name, the vodka in the recipe doesn't add an alcoholic taste to the dish. Instead, it helps to enhance the flavors of the tomatoes and cream, creating a rich and creamy sauce for the penne pasta.
Is Making Penne Alla Vodka at Home Cost-Effective?
This penne alla vodka dish is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as pancetta, vodka, and parmesan cheese, are reasonably priced and can be used in other recipes. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20. The dish offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying meal. I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and delicious taste.
Is Penne Alla Vodka Healthy or Unhealthy?
The penne alla vodka dish is a delicious and indulgent pasta recipe, but it may not be the healthiest choice for everyday meals. Here's an analysis of the recipe:
- The dish is high in calories due to the heavy cream, butter, and pancetta, which are all high in saturated fat.
- The vodka adds extra calories without providing any nutritional value.
- The recipe uses whole Italian tomatoes, which are a good source of vitamins and antioxidants, but the amount used may not be sufficient to balance out the other high-calorie ingredients.
- Parmesan cheese is high in protein and calcium but also contributes to the overall fat and sodium content of the dish.
- The penne pasta is a refined carbohydrate, which can cause blood sugar spikes and provide fewer nutrients compared to whole-grain alternatives.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative, such as half-and-half or evaporated skim milk, to reduce the overall calorie and saturated fat content.
- Use a smaller amount of pancetta or replace it with a leaner protein source, such as chicken or shrimp, to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Increase the amount of tomatoes used in the recipe to boost the vitamin and antioxidant content of the dish.
- Use whole-grain penne pasta instead of regular penne to increase the fiber content and provide a slower release of energy.
- Reduce the amount of butter used or replace it with a healthier fat source, such as olive oil, to decrease the saturated fat content.
- Add more vegetables to the dish, such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini, to increase the nutrient density and fiber content.
- Use a smaller amount of parmesan cheese or opt for a lower-fat alternative to reduce the overall fat and sodium content of the dish.
Editor's Thoughts on This Penne Alla Vodka Recipe
This penne alla vodka recipe is a classic Italian dish with a modern twist. The combination of pancetta, vodka, and cream creates a rich and flavorful sauce that perfectly coats the penne. The addition of red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat, while the fresh parsley provides a pop of color and freshness. The use of whole Italian tomatoes adds a rustic touch, and the generous amount of Parmesan cheese brings a delightful creaminess to the dish. Overall, this recipe is a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a sure crowd-pleaser.
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Why trust this Penne alla Vodka Recipe:
This recipe for Penne alla Vodka is a classic Italian dish that has been perfected over time. The combination of pancetta, vodka, and parmesan cheese creates a rich and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with the penne pasta. The use of whole Italian tomatoes ensures a fresh and authentic taste, while the addition of heavy cream adds a luxurious creaminess. With the guidance of this recipe, home cooks can trust that they will create a restaurant-quality dish that will impress their family and friends.
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