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Amazing Penne with Tomato‑Vodka Cream Sauce

Rose
If you’ve ever wanted a restaurant-quality pasta dish at home, this Amazing Penne with Tomato‑Vodka Cream Sauce delivers creamy, rich flavors in just about 20 minutes. Perfectly balanced, silky, and comforting, it’s a weeknight winner or dinner-party showstopper.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • mixing spoon
  • grater
  • measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g penne or rigatoni
  • Salt, for pasta water
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup tomato paste
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup vodka (or substitute with stock)
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until soft, then add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove raw flavor.
  • Add heavy cream and stir until smooth. Pour in vodka or stock and simmer 3–4 minutes. Season with chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
  • Toss drained pasta into the sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water until sauce clings and becomes silky.
  • Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan until melted. Serve immediately with extra cheese if desired.

Notes

Try adding vegetables, shrimp, chicken, or mushrooms for variations. Use chicken or vegetable stock for an alcohol-free version. Half-and-half or coconut cream can lighten the sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 16gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 370mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 750IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 2.5mg
Keyword creamy pasta, penne alla vodka, tomato vodka cream pasta, weeknight pasta
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