Penne Alla Vodka

This classic Penne Alla Vodka recipe is easy to make with simple ingredients and the most flavorful vodka infused tomato sauce.

📝 Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ lb. Prosciutto (roughly chopped)
• ¾ cup vodka
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 chicken bouillon cube
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 28 oz. crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 lb. penne
• 1 cup reserved pasta water
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated. For serving)
• ¾ teaspoon basil
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon cold butter

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1--- Prep Work ---
2. 2Measure out all ingredients before beginning.
3. 3Take a measuring cup (1 cup or larger) and place it in the colander that you’ll use to drain your pasta, this will remind you to save some of the pasta water when that step arrives.
4. 4--- Make the Sauce/Pasta ---
5. 5Heat olive oil over medium heat and add the prosciutto. Cook until it begins to brown, 2-3 minutes, then set aside and roughly chop once cooled.
6. 6Turn the heat off and add the vodka. Set the heat to medium and use a silicone spatula to clean the bottom and sides of the skillet (there may not be a ton of remnants from the meat, that’s okay)! Let it bubble gently and reduce by half, about 4-5 minutes (or until you can no longer smell alcohol).
7. 7Add the butter and garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add the tomato paste, chicken broth, chicken bouillon, honey, hot sauce, seasonings, and cooked prosciutto. Stir to combine.
8. 8Add the crushed tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it bubble gently and reduce, partially covered while you start to boil salted water for the pasta.
9. 9Once a boil is reached, cook the penne for 1 minute less than al dente. Drain and reserve some of the pasta water.
10. 10Reduce heat to low. Stir the cream into the sauce until combined, then add the cooked penne and stir to combine.
11. 11Add pasta water as needed to control the consistency. It will add a creamy finish and help the pasta cling onto the sauce.
12. 12Remove from heat and swirl in 1 tablespoon of cold butter prior to serving. (This is optional, it adds a smooth, sparkly finish.)
13. 13Serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese!