Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

• 500 g penne or ziti
• 2 tsp kosher salt, for pasta cooking water
• 1/2 cup+ reserved pasta cooking water
• 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 small onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1/2 cup (140 g) tomato paste
• 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
• 1/3 cup vodka
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt
• Pinch black pepper
• 50 g freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp parsley, finely chopped (optional)
• Extra parmesan for dusting

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to boil with 2 tsp kosher salt. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Just before draining, stir well to agitate starch and reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water. Drain pasta and set aside.

2. 2

   Prepare Sauce Base: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add finely diced onion and minced garlic and sauté for 1 1/2 minutes until translucent but not browned.

3. 3

   Cook Tomato Paste: Add tomato paste to the pan and cook, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes until it darkens in color. Lower heat if it sticks or burns.

4. 4

   Add Cream and Seasonings: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to incorporate the tomato paste. Then add red pepper flakes (if using), 3/4 tsp kosher salt, black pepper, and vodka. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.

5. 5

   Incorporate Parmesan: Stir freshly grated parmesan cheese into the sauce until melted and smooth. Turn off the heat and keep sauce warm.

6. 6

   Toss Pasta with Sauce: Return the pan to medium heat, add cooked pasta and about 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss and stir for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes to coat pasta evenly with the sauce. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen sauce to desired consistency.

7. 7

   Serve immediately in warmed bowls, garnished with extra parmesan and finely chopped parsley. Best enjoyed with garlic bread and a fresh Italian salad.