Penne with Vodka Sauce Recipe – Love With Recipes
If you’re searching for an easy and delicious pasta recipe that can be prepared in just 30 minutes, this Penne with Vodka Sauce recipe is a must-try! The dish offers a flavorful blend of rich tomato sauce, a hint of vodka, and a creamy finish that makes it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. It’s both healthy and budget-friendly, with a few simple ingredients, making it suitable for those looking for a low-cholesterol, wholesome option without sacrificing taste.
This recipe comes from Love With Recipes, where we aim to bring you healthy and tasty meals with detailed instructions. Let’s get into the recipe!
Ingredients & Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Quantity | Nutritional Highlights (per serving) |
|---|---|---|
| Penne pasta | 1 package (about 16 oz) | Carbohydrate-rich, provides energy |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves | Low-calorie, boosts immunity |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | 1/2 teaspoon | Adds heat, boosts metabolism |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 can (14 oz) | Rich in lycopene, great for heart |
| Vodka | 1/4 cup | Adds depth of flavor, evaporates alcohol during cooking |
| Evaporated milk | 1 cup | Creamy texture, lower in fat than cream |
| Salt | To taste | Enhances flavor, essential nutrient |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 444.8 kcal |
| Fat | 4.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 11 mg |
| Sodium | 326.7 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 73 g |
| Fiber | 10.2 g |
| Sugars | 4.9 g |
| Protein | 9.4 g |
Recipe Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare your Penne with Vodka Sauce:
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Start boiling water for pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a teaspoon of salt to the water if desired. This helps season the pasta as it cooks. |
| 2 | Sauté the garlic: While the water is coming to a boil, spray a large skillet with a non-stick spray (such as Pam). Heat the skillet over low heat and add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Gently sauté, stirring often, until the garlic begins to sizzle but make sure it doesn’t burn. This should take about 1-2 minutes. |
| 3 | Add crushed tomatoes: Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet with the sautéed garlic and pepper flakes. Stir to combine, and bring the sauce to a simmer. Lower the heat and allow the sauce to cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. |
| 4 | Cook the pasta: While your sauce is simmering, add the penne pasta to the boiling water. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook according to the package instructions (usually around 8-10 minutes) until al dente. |
| 5 | Combine pasta and sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the thickened tomato sauce. Gently toss the pasta to coat it with the sauce. |
| 6 | Add vodka: Pour the vodka into the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Stir everything together until the vodka is fully incorporated. Don’t worry—the alcohol content will cook off, leaving behind a deep, savory flavor that enhances the sauce. |
| 7 | Add evaporated milk: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the evaporated milk. This will give the sauce a rich, creamy texture without adding too much fat. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to be absorbed by the pasta. |
| 8 | Final toss and serve: Once the sauce has thickened and absorbed into the pasta, give everything a final toss to ensure even coating. Remove from heat and serve immediately. For added flair, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil, if desired. |
Recipe Summary
This Penne with Vodka Sauce recipe is an effortless way to create a delightful meal in under 30 minutes. The combination of garlic, red pepper flakes, crushed tomatoes, vodka, and evaporated milk results in a sauce that is rich and velvety, perfectly coating the al dente penne pasta. The hint of spice from the red pepper flakes balances out the creaminess of the sauce, making this a well-rounded dish that can be served on its own or alongside a simple salad or garlic bread.
Cooking Tips
- Use quality tomatoes: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality canned tomatoes, preferably San Marzano or a similar variety, as they tend to have a sweeter and less acidic taste.
- Substitute for evaporated milk: If you prefer a richer sauce, you can substitute heavy cream for evaporated milk. However, keep in mind that this will increase the fat content.
- Vodka alternatives: If you don’t want to use vodka, you can substitute it with a splash of white wine or chicken broth. The alcohol in the vodka enhances the sauce’s flavor, but you can still achieve a great taste with these alternatives.
- Make it vegetarian: This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, but if you want to add a protein, sautéed mushrooms or spinach can be a great addition for extra nutrition and texture.
Recipe Notes
- This recipe is perfect for those looking for a lighter version of traditional vodka sauce, as evaporated milk is used instead of heavy cream, reducing the fat content while still maintaining a creamy texture.
- The recipe has a slight kick from the red pepper flakes, which you can adjust to your taste. If you prefer a milder sauce, simply reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely.
Leftover Storage
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce as it can thicken in the fridge.
- Freezing: This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, allow the pasta to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of milk or water to bring the sauce back to life.
Variations to Try
- Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage to make this a heartier meal.
- Vegetable boost: Add sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and texture.
- Herb twist: Garnish with fresh basil, oregano, or parsley for a bright, herbal touch to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Penne with Vodka Sauce with a simple side salad, such as a classic Caesar salad or a green salad with balsamic vinaigrette. Serve with crusty garlic bread or toasted ciabatta to soak up the rich and flavorful sauce. If you’re in the mood for wine, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red such as Chianti would complement the dish beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make this recipe without alcohol? Yes! If you prefer not to use vodka, you can substitute it with a splash of chicken broth or white grape juice to add a bit of depth to the sauce.
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! While penne is the traditional choice, this sauce pairs well with any type of pasta, such as rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti.
- What can I use instead of evaporated milk? If you don’t have evaporated milk on hand, you can use half-and-half, whole milk, or a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk for a similar creamy texture.
With this recipe, you’ll have a delightful, homemade Penne with Vodka Sauce that’s quick, easy, and sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the creamy goodness with just the right balance of spice and tang from the vodka-tomato sauce!
