Penne Alla Vodka

Elevate your dinner with this Penne Alla Vodka recipe! A creamy tomato vodka sauce with prosciutto, garlic, and rich seasonings coats tender penne pasta for a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or entertaining guests, this restaurant-quality recipe is easy to make at home. Learn how to create a velvety, rich sauce, customize it with substitutions, and get tips for perfect pasta every time. Serve it with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or your favorite wine for an unforgettable Italian-inspired meal. Try this Penne Alla Vodka recipe today!

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ lb. prosciutto, roughly chopped
• ¾ cup vodka
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 1 chicken bouillon cube
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 28 oz. crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb. penne pasta
• 1 cup reserved pasta water

Seasonings:

• ¾ teaspoon basil
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

For Serving:

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon cold butter (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients

• Measure out all ingredients before starting.
• Place a 1-cup measuring cup in your colander as a reminder to reserve pasta water when draining.

2. Cook the Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the prosciutto. Cook for 2–3 minutes until lightly browned. Remove, let cool, and roughly chop.
2. Turn off the heat and carefully add vodka to the skillet. Return the heat to medium and use a silicone spatula to deglaze the pan. Allow the vodka to bubble and reduce by half, about 4–5 minutes (until the alcohol smell dissipates).
3. Add butter and garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in tomato paste, chicken broth, chicken bouillon, honey, hot sauce, and seasonings. Add the cooked prosciutto back to the skillet and mix well.
5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Partially cover and let it cook while you prepare the pasta.

3. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne 1 minute less than the al dente instructions. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Reduce the sauce to low heat and stir in the heavy cream until fully combined.
2. Add the cooked penne to the sauce and mix to coat.
3. Gradually stir in reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency and help it cling to the pasta.

5. Finish and Serve

1. Remove the skillet from heat and swirl in 1 tablespoon of cold butter for a velvety finish (optional).
2. Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy: The perfect balance of tangy tomatoes, smooth cream, and a hint of vodka.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Impress family and friends with this elegant yet easy dish.
• Customizable: Adjust heat, protein, or seasoning to suit your preferences.

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Tips

• Perfect Pasta: Cook the pasta slightly under al dente; it will finish cooking in the sauce.
• Smooth Sauce: Stir in the cream after the sauce has reduced for a rich texture.
• Don’t Skip the Butter: Adding cold butter at the end gives the dish a glossy finish.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Swap: Use pancetta, bacon, or omit prosciutto for a vegetarian version.
• Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of chili oil.
• Gluten-Free: Swap regular penne for gluten-free pasta.
• Alcohol-Free: Replace vodka with chicken broth for a similar depth of flavor.

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FAQs

What does vodka do in vodka sauce?
Vodka enhances the flavor and texture of the sauce, creating a creamy and cohesive dish without overpowering it.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add pasta water if needed.

Can I freeze vodka sauce?
Absolutely! Freeze the sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before adding freshly cooked pasta.

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Serving

Pair Penne Alla Vodka with:

• A crisp Caesar or arugula salad.
• Garlic bread or focaccia for dipping.
• A light red wine like Pinot Noir or Chianti.

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Suggestions

• Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top for extra flavor.
• Add sautéed shrimp or grilled chicken for a protein boost.
• Double the recipe and freeze leftovers for a quick, delicious meal.