Crockpot Sun-Dried Tomato Penne Alla Vodka
This delightful pasta dish combines the flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, vodka, and heavy cream, creating a rich and satisfying meal that is effortless to prepare in a crockpot.
This delightful pasta dish combines the flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, vodka, and heavy cream, creating a rich and satisfying meal that is effortless to prepare in a crockpot.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- kosher salt and pepper
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 4 cloves garlic minced or grated
- 1 sweet onion diced
- 1 cup vodka
- 2 (28 ounce) cans whole tomatoes i like san marzano
- 1/2 cup oil packed sun-dried tomatoes drained (see note)
- 4 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
- Carbohydrate 50.1733890195196 g
- Cholesterol 89.6920717272993 mg
- Fat 15.1919824346387 g
- Fiber 1.36836667076756 g
- Protein 13.37852617945 g
- Saturated Fat 6.77110883712284 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (212g)
- Sodium 210.444169559233 mg
- Sugar 48.8050223487521 g
- Trans Fat 1.36482601557016 g
- Calories 472 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat the olive oil, onion, garlic, crushed red pepper, and dried oregano in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring often, until the onion is soft and the garlic is fragrant, about 10 minutes.
- Add the vodka, raise the heat, and bring the mixture to a boil; boil for 5 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and add to the bowl of your crockpot along with the tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and a large pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
- Transfer the sauce to a blender and puree until smooth.
- Return to the crockpot and stir in the cream and the parmesan cheese.
- Cook uncovered on high for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain.
- Divide the pasta among plates and top with the sauce, fresh oregano, and grated parmesan cheese.
- Eat!
My Effortless Weeknight Crockpot Wonder: Sun-Dried Tomato Penne Alla Vodka
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and extracurricular activities, the last thing I want to do is spend hours slaving over a hot stove. That's where my trusty crockpot comes in. It's my secret weapon for creating restaurant-quality meals without the restaurant-quality time commitment. This Crockpot Sun-Dried Tomato Penne Alla Vodka recipe is a prime example – a rich, creamy, and incredibly flavorful pasta dish that practically cooks itself. The best part? It’s so easy, even on my busiest days, I can still enjoy a homemade, comforting dinner with my family.
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The vibrant flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, the subtle warmth of the vodka, and the luxurious creaminess of the heavy cream combine to create a sauce that is both sophisticated and satisfying. It’s a dish that always impresses, whether I'm entertaining guests or simply enjoying a cozy night in with my family. The crockpot takes care of the cooking, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen over time, creating a depth of taste that’s hard to replicate with quicker cooking methods. I love the convenience of being able to throw everything in the crockpot in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat meal. It takes the stress out of dinnertime and leaves me more time to focus on what truly matters – spending quality time with my loved ones. Plus, cleanup is a breeze! That alone is a huge win in my book.
Beyond the convenience and the delicious taste, this recipe is also incredibly versatile. I often adjust it based on what I have on hand. Sometimes I’ll add some sauteed mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor. Other times, I'll swap the penne for another pasta shape, like rotini or farfalle. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. It's a blank canvas for culinary creativity, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences and what’s readily available in your pantry. It's a testament to the power of simple, flavorful ingredients coming together to create something truly special.
Beyond the Recipe: This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of finding balance in a busy life. It represents my commitment to providing my family with healthy, delicious home-cooked meals without sacrificing my time or sanity. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, there's always room for simple pleasures like a delicious, heartwarming dinner enjoyed together.
Tips and Tricks for Crockpot Success:
- Don't overfill your crockpot: Leave some space at the top to allow for proper steam circulation.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your dish will taste.
- Adjust cooking time as needed: Depending on your crockpot and desired consistency, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Once the sauce is blended, taste it and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. You may also want to add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Serve with a side salad: A simple green salad is the perfect complement to this rich pasta dish.
So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed by the demands of your day, remember this simple, delicious crockpot recipe. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos, you can create something wonderful, something comforting, something delicious, without sacrificing your precious time. Enjoy!
