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.

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.