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This Penne Alla Vodka recipe combines a creamy tomato-based sauce, tender pasta, and a touch of richness for a flavorful meal that’s easy to make at home. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this dish is adaptable and loaded with simple yet bold ingredients that bring out the best in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this recipe is sure to impress with its balance of hearty and fresh flavors.

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ lb. prosciutto, roughly chopped
¾ cup vodka
3 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
¼ cup chicken broth
1 chicken bouillon cube
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon hot sauce
28 oz. crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream

For the Pasta:

1 lb. penne pasta
1 cup reserved pasta water

Seasonings:

¾ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

For Serving:

½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tablespoon cold butter (optional)

Instructions

Prep Work:

Measure and prepare all ingredients in advance.
Place a measuring cup (1 cup or larger) in the colander you’ll use to drain the pasta to remind yourself to reserve the pasta water.

Make the Sauce and Pasta:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the prosciutto and cook until lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the skillet, allow it to cool slightly, then roughly chop.
Turn off the heat and carefully add the vodka to the skillet. Return the heat to medium and deglaze the pan by scraping the bottom and sides with a silicone spatula. Let the vodka bubble gently until reduced by half, about 4-5 minutes, or until the alcohol smell dissipates.
Add the butter and garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste, chicken broth, chicken bouillon, honey, hot sauce, seasonings, and the cooked prosciutto. Mix well.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover partially and allow the sauce to reduce slightly while preparing the pasta.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta for 1 minute less than the package’s al dente instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water.
Lower the heat of the sauce and stir in the heavy cream until fully combined. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and mix to coat thoroughly. Adjust the sauce consistency as needed by stirring in the reserved pasta water gradually.
Remove the skillet from heat and swirl in 1 tablespoon of cold butter for a smooth, glossy finish (optional).
Serve immediately with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of crushed tomatoes, cream, and a touch of vodka creates a perfectly balanced, velvety sauce.
Versatile: Easily customize this recipe with your favorite proteins or vegetarian alternatives.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners, special occasions, or a cozy night in.

Tips

Save the Pasta Water: The reserved water is key for adjusting the sauce’s consistency and adding a creamy finish.
Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for good-quality Parmesan and tomatoes for the best flavor.
Deglaze Carefully: Always turn off the heat before adding vodka to avoid any flare-ups.

Variations and Substitutions

Vegetarian Option: Skip the prosciutto and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Spicier Sauce: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste.
Alternative Proteins: Swap prosciutto with pancetta, bacon, or cooked chicken.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Rigatoni, ziti, or fusilli work wonderfully with this sauce.

Can I make this alcohol-free?
Absolutely. Replace vodka with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to refresh the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Add a side of roasted vegetables or sautéed spinach for extra nutrients.

Enjoy your Penne Alla Vodka with its irresistible creamy sauce and delightful flavors!