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Creamy Penne alla Vodka with Fresh Basil & Parmesan

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This creamy penne alla vodka features a silky tomato-vodka sauce enriched with heavy cream, fresh basil, and plenty of Parmesan. Quick, comforting, and perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/3 cup vodka
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or sliced
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (add 1 tbsp kosher salt for every 4 quarts of water).
  2. Add penne pasta and cook until just al dente, about 9–10 minutes. Stir occasionally. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
  4. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, without browning the garlic.
  5. Carefully add vodka and let it bubble for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any brown bits.
  6. Stir in tomato paste, then add crushed tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
  7. Lower heat to medium-low. Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly as the sauce turns a salmon-pink color. Simmer for 2–3 minutes more. Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth and melted.
  9. Add drained penne to the skillet and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
  10. Add fresh basil and toss again.
  11. Serve in shallow bowls, topped with extra Parmesan and basil leaves.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture. For gluten-free, use GF pasta. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based cream and cheese. Add extra veggies or protein as desired. Sauce is best served immediately but keeps well for leftovers.

Nutrition

Keywords: penne alla vodka, creamy pasta, Italian pasta, basil, Parmesan, weeknight dinner, comfort food, easy pasta recipe

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/creamy-penne-alla-vodka-recipe-easy-pasta-with-fresh-basil-and-parmesan/