Penne with Vodka Recipe
Overview:
Indulge in the rich flavors of Penne with Vodka, a decadent pasta dish that balances creamy textures with a hint of spice. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this recipe from lovewithrecipes.com promises to elevate your culinary skills and satisfy your taste buds.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this delightful Penne with Vodka dish:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Butter |
| 1/2 | Red pepper flakes |
| 3-4 cloves | Garlic |
| 3 tbsp | Tomato paste |
| 3 tbsp | Vodka |
| 1 cup | Heavy cream |
| 1/2 cup | Parmesan cheese, grated |
| To taste | Salt and white pepper |
| 1 lb | Penne pasta |
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 753.3
- Total Fat: 33.8g
- Saturated Fat: 19.9g
- Cholesterol: 107.8mg
- Sodium: 353.7mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 95.3g
- Dietary Fiber: 13.1g
- Sugar: 1.7g
- Protein: 15.2g
Instructions:
-
Cook the Penne:
- Begin by cooking the penne pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until it reaches al dente perfection, approximately 8-9 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it warm.
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large deep skillet or frypan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the red pepper flakes and minced garlic. Sauté until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
-
Add Tomato Paste:
- Stir in the tomato paste, mixing well with the garlic and red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Adjust the consistency with water if needed, ensuring the mixture is somewhat dry before proceeding.
-
Incorporate Vodka:
- Pour in the vodka and let it simmer for approximately 3 minutes. This step allows the alcohol to evaporate while infusing its unique flavor into the sauce.
-
Introduce Heavy Cream:
- Gradually stir the heavy cream into the sauce, ensuring it combines smoothly. Let the sauce heat through until it is hot but not boiling.
-
Add Parmesan Cheese:
- Once the cream is incorporated and the sauce is hot, add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce achieves a creamy consistency.
-
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta gently to ensure it is evenly coated with the creamy vodka sauce.
-
Serve:
- Transfer the Penne with Vodka to a serving platter. Optionally, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
-
Enjoy:
- Serve hot and savor the delicious blend of flavors in this Penne with Vodka dish. Pair it with a fresh green salad and a glass of chilled white wine for a complete dining experience.
Tips for Success:
- Al dente pasta: Cooking the penne until al dente ensures a perfect texture that complements the creamy sauce.
- Adjusting consistency: Control the thickness of the sauce by adding water or simmering longer if a thicker consistency is desired.
- Enhancing flavors: Experiment with the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference, and use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best taste.
Flavor Profile:
Penne with Vodka combines the robust flavors of garlic and red pepper with the creamy richness of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. The addition of vodka adds a subtle complexity that elevates the dish, making it a favorite among pasta enthusiasts.
Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting meal, this Penne with Vodka recipe promises to deliver a memorable dining experience. Enjoy the process of creating this dish as much as you’ll enjoy savoring its rich, creamy flavors!
