Penne Alla Vodka
This recipe, adapted from America's Test Kitchen's Best-Ever Recipes, is a family favorite and easy to make. I suggest using Smirnoff Vodka and whole tomatoes without added seasonings. For those with allergies, I use lactose-free whipping cream and gluten-free pasta. Baked chicken makes a great addition.
This recipe, adapted from America's Test Kitchen's Best-Ever Recipes, is a family favorite and easy to make. I suggest using Smirnoff Vodka and whole tomatoes without added seasonings. For those with allergies, I use lactose-free whipping cream and gluten-free pasta. Baked chicken makes a great addition.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 2 cloves (minced)
- 1 can whole tomatoes (drained and liquid reserved)
- 1/4 cup onion (minced)
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 lb penne
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (minced)
- 2 -4 chicken breasts (optional)
- Carbohydrate 63.2897224835235 g
- Cholesterol 103.159357550966 mg
- Fat 11.3580484261665 g
- Fiber 0.183302079314224 g
- Protein 13.3134992620002 g
- Saturated Fat 4.24792916442959 g
- Serving Size 1 1 , 4 serving(s) (166g)
- Sodium 39.5160457205222 mg
- Sugar 63.1064204042092 g
- Trans Fat 1.23777525159849 g
- Calories 474 calories
Step-by-step
- Puree half of the tomatoes in a food processor until smooth (about 20 seconds).
- Chop the remaining tomatoes into 1/2 inch pieces, discarding the cores.
- Combine the pureed and diced tomatoes in a liquid measuring cup (about 1 2/3 cups). Add reserved liquid to equal 2 cups.
- Bring 4 quarts water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon salt and the pasta.
- Cook, stirring often, until the pasta is almost al dente.
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the onion and tomato paste and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is light golden (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in the garlic and pepper flakes and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Stir in the tomatoes and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the vodka.
- Return the saucepan to medium heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until the alcohol flavor has cooked off (8-10 minutes).
- Stir in the cream and cook until hot (about 1 minute).
- Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, drain the pasta, and return it to the pot.
- Stir in the sauce and toss to combine.
- Cook over medium heat until the pasta absorbs some of the sauce (about 1-2 minutes). Thin with reserved water if needed.
- Stir in the basil and serve.
- Pass grated Parmesan cheese separately (optional).
- Add sliced baked chicken on top (optional).
My Favorite Weeknight Pasta: Penne Alla Vodka
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a constant juggling act. Between school pick-ups, after-school activities, and the ever-present mountain of laundry, whipping up something from scratch often feels like a luxury. But let's be honest, we all deserve a little deliciousness at the end of a long day, and that's where this Penne Alla Vodka recipe comes in. It's become a staple in our house, a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal that the whole family enjoys.
What sets this recipe apart isn't just the incredible creamy, rich tomato sauce – although that's definitely a major plus! – it's the simplicity. I've adapted it from a recipe I found, tweaking it to suit my busy lifestyle and my family's preferences. No fancy ingredients, no hours spent slaving over a hot stove; just a straightforward recipe that delivers big on flavor without sacrificing precious time. I've also made a few substitutions over the years to accommodate dietary needs. Switching to lactose-free cream and gluten-free pasta has been a game-changer for us, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious meal.
The best part? The cleanup is a breeze. One pot for the pasta, one saucepan for the sauce – minimal dishes, maximum flavor. Seriously, that alone makes it worth it! On nights when I'm particularly short on time, I'll even prep some components ahead – chopping the onions and garlic the night before – to make the cooking process even faster. The whole thing comes together in under 30 minutes, leaving plenty of time to actually sit down and enjoy the meal with my family, rather than spending all my time cleaning up.
This Penne Alla Vodka is more than just a quick weeknight dinner; it's a celebration of simple pleasures. The vibrant tomato sauce, the perfectly cooked pasta, the subtle hint of vodka (which cooks off, don’t worry!), all come together to create a dish that's both comforting and exciting. It’s the kind of meal that can easily transition from a casual family dinner to a slightly more elegant meal for friends. A simple sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top elevates the dish even further. And for those nights when I need a little extra protein, I add some baked chicken breasts. It’s a perfect addition, providing a lovely contrast to the richness of the sauce and the tenderness of the pasta.
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, this recipe offers a chance to connect with my family. It’s not just about feeding them; it’s about sharing a meal together, a moment of connection in the midst of our busy lives. The aroma of the simmering sauce fills the kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, signaling that dinner is ready and family time is here. It’s these moments, these simple meals shared around the table, that I cherish most.
So, if you're looking for a recipe that’s both delicious and easy to make, look no further. This Penne Alla Vodka is a winner, a true testament to the fact that even on the busiest of days, you can still enjoy a truly satisfying and delicious meal. Give it a try; your family will thank you for it.
And hey, maybe while you're making this recipe, you can also sneak in a glass of that lovely vodka you used. Just a little something for yourself after a long and productive day, to really fully appreciate the effort put in. After all, a little treat never hurts, right?
