Vodka Sauce With Penne: A Delightful One-Dish Meal
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Description:
This Vodka Sauce with Penne is a treasured recipe that I received from a dear friend many years ago. It is a remarkable dish that combines simplicity with a burst of flavor, making it perfect for any occasion, especially dinner parties. Every time I’ve prepared this dish, it has received rave reviews from family and friends alike. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad and a chilled crisp white wine, and you have a dinner that impresses without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
Keywords: Penne, Dinner Party, Quick Meals, < 30 Mins
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | cloves garlic |
| 1 | tablespoon olive oil |
| 2 | cans diced tomatoes (drained) |
| ¾ | cup vodka |
| 1 | fish bouillon cube |
| 1 | cup heavy cream |
| 2 | teaspoons dried tarragon |
| 2 | tablespoons butter (optional) |
| 12 | ounces dry penne pasta |
| Freshly grated parmesan cheese (for serving) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 693.2 |
| Total Fat | 27.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 81.5 mg |
| Sodium | 457.1 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 82.9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.3 g |
| Sugars | 7.5 g |
| Protein | 9.5 g |
Instructions
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Sauté the Garlic: Begin by heating a large frying pan over medium heat and adding the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the minced garlic and sauté it until it becomes fragrant, which should take about 1 minute.
-
Incorporate the Tomatoes: Add the drained diced tomatoes to the pan, stirring gently to combine with the garlic and olive oil. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the flavors to meld for about 2-3 minutes.
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Add the Vodka: Carefully pour in the vodka, stirring to combine, and allow it to simmer for 5-10 minutes. This will help cook off the alcohol while enriching the sauce with its robust flavor.
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Incorporate the Bouillon: Crumble the fish bouillon cube into the pan, stirring continuously until it dissolves completely into the sauce. This step adds an incredible depth of flavor, so don’t skip it!
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Stir in the Cream and Tarragon: Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Sprinkle the dried tarragon over the top, and stir everything together. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens to your desired consistency, which should take an additional 3-5 minutes.
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Finish with Butter (Optional): For an added richness, you may wish to finish the sauce with a couple of tablespoons of butter, stirring it in until melted and fully incorporated.
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Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well, reserving a small cup of the pasta cooking water in case the sauce needs thinning.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
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Serve with Cheese: Plate the vodka sauce pasta and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor.
Enjoy this sumptuous Vodka Sauce with Penne as a satisfying meal that will leave your guests asking for seconds. Each bite is a delightful blend of rich flavors that perfectly complement the penne pasta, making it a true star at your dining table. Whether for a casual family dinner or an elegant dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress!
