Vodka gives this penne pasta recipe a subtle, but delicious taste you'll love. There are flavor compounds in tomatoes that can only be released if cooked with alcohol, and this vodka sauce is a great way to experience them.
Don't worry of you're driving after dinner, 99% of the alcohol in this penne pasta with vodka sauce is cooked out during the preparation.
Makes 6 Portions of Penne with Vodka Sauce
Don't worry of you're driving after dinner, 99% of the alcohol in this penne pasta with vodka sauce is cooked out during the preparation.
Makes 6 Portions of Penne with Vodka Sauce
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 oz chopped pancetta, or bacon
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1 small spring fresh rosemary, whole
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 1/2 cups prepared tomato/pasta sauce
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- crushed hot red pepper, to taste
- salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
Preparation:
Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the bacon and cook stirring until well-cooked, but not quite crisp. Drain excess fat, add the vodka to the pan of cooked bacon (be careful – it might flame-up), and bring to a simmer. Cook until the vodka reduces to a couple tablespoons.
Add the rosemary, heavy cream and tomato sauce; and simmer, stirring occasionally for about 15 minutes (add water as needed if the sauce begins to get too thick). Reduce heat to very low and stir in the cheese, hot pepper, salt and black pepper.
Keep sauce warm over very low heat until pasta is ready. Boil pasta in salted water according to directions. Drain and toss with warm sauce. Serve immediately.
Add the rosemary, heavy cream and tomato sauce; and simmer, stirring occasionally for about 15 minutes (add water as needed if the sauce begins to get too thick). Reduce heat to very low and stir in the cheese, hot pepper, salt and black pepper.
Keep sauce warm over very low heat until pasta is ready. Boil pasta in salted water according to directions. Drain and toss with warm sauce. Serve immediately.