Penne with Vodka Sauce is the perfect simple yet gourmet vegetarian Italian pasta dish everyone should have in their repertoire!
Course
Main Course
Cuisine
Italian
Prep Time:10minutes
Cook Time:15minutes
Total Time:25minutes
Yields:4servings
Recipe byTessa Arias
Ingredients
Kosher salt
12ounceswhole-wheat penne
1 28-ouncecan crushed tomatoes
1tablespoonunsalted butter
2shallots, minced
1clovegarlic, minced
1/4teaspoonred pepper flakes
1/2cupvodka
2/3cupheavy cream
1/2cupfreshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
Handful of fresh basil leaves, torn, plus more for topping
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook as the package directs. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
Remove from the heat and stir in the vodka, tomatoes and salt to taste. Return the skillet to medium heat and simmer, stirring often, until the alcohol cooks off, about 7 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. Stir in the parmesan and basil.
Add the pasta to the sauce and toss to combine, adding some of the reserved cooking water to loosen, if needed. Season with salt. Serve topped with more parmesan and basil.