Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or saucepan
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for another minute.
4. Pour in the vodka and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the alcohol has evaporated.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
8. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta and garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 500
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 15g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Penne pasta can be substituted with any other type of pasta.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp to the pasta for a protein boost.
- Use diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes for a chunkier sauce.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the alcohol out of the vodka before adding the tomatoes to the skillet.
- Don't overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
- Use a high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pasta in a large bowl or platter, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
- A crisp green salad and a glass of red wine
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the pasta and sauce to the recommended temperatures to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
- Penne alla vodka is a popular Italian-American dish that originated in the 1970s.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
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Region: Italian