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–+ servings

Best Penne alla Vodka

This easy penne alla vodka recipe tosses tender penne pasta and Italian sausage in a silky and deliciously creamy tomato and vodka sauce.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound uncooked penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ pound Italian sausage casing removed
  • ½ cup vodka
  • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until al dente, about 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and Italian sausage. Break up the sausage with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
  4. Pour in the vodka, stirring to deglaze the pan. Let the vodka reduce by half, about 2–3 minutes.
  5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper, then simmer gently for another 2–3 minutes.
  7. Toss the cooked penne into the sauce until evenly coated. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and stir to combine.
  8. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra grating of Parmesan. Serve warm for the ultimate comfort meal.
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