Penne alla Vodka

This penne alla vodka recipe is quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. It's the perfect impressive weeknight dinner!

How to Make Penne Alla Vodka

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

Penne Alla Vodka Ingredients

These are the ingredients you'll need to make this penne alla vodka recipe;

• Tomato products: This pasta alla vodka calls for both a can of whole peeled tomatoes and a couple tablespoons of tomato paste.
• Pancetta and oil: Cook pancetta in olive oil.
• Onion: You'll need ½ cup of finely diced onion.
• Seasonings and herbs: This flavorful penne alla vodka is seasoned with garlic, crushed red pepper, salt, pepper, fresh parsley, and fresh basil.
• Vodka: Of course, you'll need vodka – use whatever brand you have on hand.
• Pasta: Opt for penne or rigatoni.
• Cream: Heavy cream is the key to a rich, decadent vodka sauce.
• Cheese: Make sure to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of the pre-shredded stuff.

How to Make Homemade Penne Alla Vodka

Here are some tips and tricks for making the perfect pasta alla vodka from the chef herself

• You can skip the pancetta if you want to make this a meatless meal, according to culinary producer and recipe creator Nicole McLaughlin (a.k.a. NicoleMcmom). But, if you want to go in the opposite direction, Italian sausage would also work well.
• Don't skip the tomato paste! It adds a deep, rich flavor that makes this penne alla vodka impossible to resist. Make sure to cook it until it takes on a brownish color.
• Nicole uses whole canned and peeled tomatoes because she finds they have better flavor than pre-crushed tomatoes. She also crushes them with her hands the old-fashioned way!

What to Serve With Penne Alla Vodka

In need of serving inspiration? Try pairing your homemade penne alla vodka with one of these top-rated side dishes:

• Classic Restaurant Caesar Salad
• Toasted Garlic Bread
• Roasted Garlic Lemon Broccoli
• Italian Leafy Green Salad
• Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

How to Store Penne Alla Vodka

Store your leftover penne alla vodka in a shallow, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. We don't recommend freezing this dish, as the pasta will become mushy.

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams