Last Updated on November 13, 2019 by Chef Mireille
The main focus of this blog is to introduce global foods to you. The world has gotten so much smaller with the explosion of the internet and international travel made easy. You no longer have to live in the Middle East to get barberries or Africa to get Palm Oil. However, sometimes it’s nice to have an easy fall back recipe that’s always a winner and just makes you feel comfy and cozy inside. That’s what Penne a la Vodka is to anyone growing up in New York City, whether you’re Italian or not.
As the all American diner is virtually non existent now in New York City, what has replaced the classic lunch counters are what can be called variety lunch spots. At these places which are a dime a dozen in the city usually feature sandwiches, soups, salads made to order and pastas made to order. The pasta sauce options are usually marinara, pesto and then either alfredo or vodka. This classic Italian sauce is creamy and a little tangy. It makes the perfect comfort food,
Penne alla Vodka
Yield: Serves 6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 chopped onion
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 2 cups pureed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- dried or finely chopped fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan, for garnish
- 6 cups cooked penne (I used whole grain penne)
In a deep skillet, melt butter. Add onion and saute until it starts to change color.
Add vodka and simmer on medium-low heat for 10 minutes. Add tomato puree and simmer on medium heat for 15 minutes.
Add cream. Stir to combine and simmer for 15 minutes. Add salt and stir to combine.
Add cooked pasta and toss well.
To serve, garnish with parsley and cheese.
Classic Penne a la Vodka
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 chopped onion
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 2 cups pureed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- dried or finely chopped fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan for garnish
- 6 cups cooked penne I used whole grain penne
Instructions
- In a deep skillet, melt butter. Add onion and saute until it starts to change color.
- Add vodka and simmer on medium-low heat for 10 minutes. Add tomato puree and simmer on medium heat for 15 minutes.
- Add cream. Stir to combine and simmer for 15 minutes. Add salt and stir to combine.
- Add cooked pasta and toss well.
- To serve, garnish with parsley and cheese.
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That looks delicious. I have never tried adding alcohol to pasta, but I bet the vodka added more flavor. I need to try this.
I have to avoid alcohol due to health concerns. Is there something I can substitute with a similar flavor? I’ve heard of Penne Alla Vodka and wondered what makes it so good…maybe it IS the vodka.
I have heard a lot about this sauce but never made it myself. Does the alcohol in vodka cook off and do we taste the vodka in the final dish?
the alcohol completely cooks out and you wont taste it at all
I never actually thought about making this sauce from scratch, I don’t know why. My hubby LOVES this sauce.
Wow that sauce sounds so exotic.Will try it sometime. Such a wonderful looking pasta.
This looks so delicious! I love penne!
I am a huge fan of pasta. I will have to try this out!
We are in a cross roads to get introduced to all global cuisine and it never amazes me at the ease with which we can now cook different cuisines…this sounds like a classic pasta..