Tom’s Penne alla Vodka

May 11, 2023May 11, 20230 7

Tom's Penne alla Vodka - an Italian pasta dish with a melt-in-your-mouth creamy vodka sauce

by The Chefin Pasta

Prep

10 min

Cook

20 min

Ready In

30 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

	1/2 lb dried penne pasta
	4 tablespoons butter
	1/4 lb prosciutto di Parma , diced
	1 ounce vodka
	1 1/2 cups heavy cream
	1/4 cup parmigiano-reggiano cheese
	1/4 cup fresh basil ( chiffonade , i.e . rolled and sliced thinly )
	1 -2 tablespoon tomato paste

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

630

Sugar

Fat

42g

Penne alla Vodka is an Italian-American recipe that is said to have originated in the 1970s. The dish consists of penne pasta tossed in a creamy tomato-based sauce flavored with vodka. The sauce is made by sautéing prosciutto in butter, adding tomato paste, cream, and cheese, and finally adding a splash of vodka to enhance the flavors. The dish is easy to prepare and can be made in 30 minutes or less, making it a great option for a quick weeknight meal or a dinner party with friends.

Instructions

1.	Boil the penne pasta until al dente in salted water.
2.	In a separate pan, melt the butter and sauté the diced prosciutto until crispy.
3.	Pour in the vodka and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
4.	Add the heavy cream and let it cook until it starts to thicken.
5.	Stir in the parmigiano-reggiano cheese, tomato paste, and basil. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6.	Mix in the cooked penne pasta and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until coated in the sauce. Serve hot.

PROS

Penne alla Vodka is a mouthwatering pasta dish with a rich, creamy sauce that melts in your mouth.
The sauce is a perfect balance of tomato and cream, with a kick of vodka that adds a unique depth of flavor.

It’s a quick and easy recipe that can be made with just a few ingredients.

CONS

The heavy cream and cheese used in the sauce make Penne alla Vodka a high-fat dish that should be enjoyed in moderation.
It’s not a suitable option for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
Also, the sauce can be a bit heavy for some, so it might not be the best option for those watching their calorie intake.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Despite its high-fat content, Penne alla Vodka offers some health benefits. The tomato paste used in the sauce is rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer.
The dish is also a good source of protein and carbs, which are essential for maintaining muscle mass and providing energy.