Penne alla Vodka - An Easy Italian classic

Penne alla vodka is a classic Italian pasta dish that has become a staple in many Italian-American and Italian homes. It's rich, creamy, and flavorful! Not to mention, it’s also fairly easy to make. Let’s break down how to make this delicious dish in your own kitchen.

Ingredients for Penne alla Vodka

First things first, let’s gather up our ingredients. You will need penne pasta (1 lb), 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (or more if you like it spicy!), 1/2 cup of vodka, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese (grated), 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley (chopped).

Cooking the Pasta

Next, we need to get our water boiling so that we can start cooking the penne. While the water is boiling add the salt and then add your penne pasta once the water reaches a rolling boil. Cook your pasta until it reaches al dente and then drain it in a colander; set aside.

Making the Sauce

Now onto making the sauce! Heat up a large skillet over medium heat and add your olive oil. Once warm add in your garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Then pour in your vodka and simmer over low heat for another 5 minutes or so until reduced by half. Next pour in your cream and simmer for another 5 minutes or until reduced by half again; stirring occasionally. Finally stir in your parmesan cheese until melted through the sauce; season with salt & pepper to taste. Add back in your cooked penne pasta along with some chopped parsley and toss together so that everything is coated nicely with sauce; remove from heat when done.

And there you have it! This recipe for Penne alla Vodka is amazingly delicious yet surprisingly simple to make – perfect for any home chef who wants to try out an Italian classic! With its creamy texture and savory flavor profile, this dish is sure to be a hit with family & friends alike – Buon Appetito!