How to Make Penne Alla Vodka
For a delicious and simple pasta dish, try this recipe for a meal that's sure to please even the toughest critics.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large pot of water for the pasta.
- TIP: Reserve some of the pasta water to dilute your pasta sauce.
- Step 2: While the water is heating, melt the butter in the skillet over low heat. Add onion and cook for five minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Slowly stir the vodka into the skillet. Bring the vodka to a simmer, and cook for four minutes.
- Step 4: Add the tomato puree, heavy cream, salt, and pepper to the skillet, and continue simmering for an additional five minutes, until the onion is soft.
- TIP: Stir in chopped, cooked ham and two or three drops of hot sauce to add an extra kick to your sauce mixture.
- Step 5: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain, and set it aside in a large bowl.
- Step 6: Pour the sauce mixture from the skillet over the penne pasta. Sprinkle the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese over the top, toss everything together, and serve immediately.
- FACT: Did you know? Russian vodka production dates back to the ninth century, when it was used primarily as a medicine. It also served as a key ingredient in gunpowder for muskets.
You Will Need
- 1 lb. penne pasta
- 4 tbsp. butter
- 1 chopped onion
- 2/3 c. vodka
- 3/4 c. tomato puree
- 1 c. heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 3/4 c. grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- A large pot
- A large bowl
- A deep 12-inch skillet
- 1/4 lb. cooked
- chopped ham (optional) (optional)
- Hot sauce (optional) (optional)