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Ina Garten Penne Alla Vodka Recipe

Ina Garten Penne Alla Vodka Recipe

Craving a creamy, flavorful pasta dish? Ina Garten Penne Alla Vodka Recipe is perfect! This classic Italian-American dish combines smooth tomato cream sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 425 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • Penne pasta: 1 pound
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic cloves: 3 minced
  • Red pepper flakes: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Vodka: 1/2 cup
  • Canned tomatoes: 28 ounces crushed
  • Heavy cream: 1 cup
  • Fresh basil: 1/4 cup chopped
  • Salt: to taste
  • Black pepper: to taste
  • Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup grated

Instructions
 

  • Fill your large pot with salted water.
  • Bring it to a rolling boil.
  • Add the penne pasta to the pot.
  • Cook according to package directions until al dente.
  • Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
  • Drain the pasta and set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in your large skillet.
  • Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes.
  • Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Don't let the garlic burn or brown.
  • Pour vodka into the pan carefully.
  • Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  • This cooks off the alcohol completely.
  • The vodka enhances the tomato flavor beautifully.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes now.
  • Season with salt and black pepper.
  • Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Lower the heat to medium-low temperature.
  • Slowly pour in the heavy cream.
  • Stir constantly to combine everything smoothly.
  • Simmer for 5 more minutes gently.
  • Add the cooked penne to sauce.
  • Toss everything together until well coated.
  • Add pasta water if sauce seems thick.
  • Sprinkle with fresh basil and Parmesan.
  • Serve hot and enjoy immediately!

Notes

  • Use good quality vodka for better flavor.
  • Don't skip the red pepper flakes entirely.
  • They add a subtle, pleasant heat.
  • Reserve pasta water before draining your pasta.
  • It helps adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
  • Fresh Parmesan is always better than pre-grated.
  • Tear basil leaves instead of chopping them.
  • This preserves their delicate flavor and aroma.
  • Don't overcook the pasta at all.
  • Al dente texture works best with sauce.
  • Make the sauce while pasta cooks simultaneously.
  • This saves you precious cooking time.
Keyword Ina Garten Penne Alla Vodka Recipe