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Penne Alla Vodka
This pasta dish means business! Make this for anyone you want to show off your culinary skills to and I promise neither of you will be disappointed!
Transport your taste buds to the heart of Italy with my exquisite vodka sauce, a timeless addition to any gourmet kitchen. Crafted from a harmonious blend of ripe tomatoes, cream, garlic, and a splash of smooth vodka, this luscious sauce captivates with its rich, velvety texture and complex, tangy flavor profile. Whether lavishly draped over al dente pasta or used as a ritzy dipping sauce, my vodka sauce promises to elevate every culinary creation. Indulge in a culinary journey as you savor the creamy decadence and zesty notes of my hommade vodka sauce - a true emblem of Italian culinary finesse.
Penne pasta, a beloved cylindrical pasta type, is named for its angled tips resembling a quill or pen. Its unique shape is celebrated for its sauce-holding prowess, enhancing countless Italian recipes. The distinctive ridges of penne efficiently capture thick sauces, elevating dishes from robust meat ragu to creamy vodka variations. Whether enveloped in a cheesy bake or featured in a light, zesty salad, penne consistently offers a gratifying dining affair. With its hollowness and textures, this pasta adapts seamlessly to quick weekday dinners or extravagant culinary endeavors at gatherings. Vodka sauce is a creamy tomato-based sauce renowned for its luxurious blend of ingredients which usually consists of vodka, rich heavy cream, flavorful tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a medley of herbs. The hallmark of this sauce lies in its delectably smooth texture and a nuanced tang derived from the infusion of vodka. Its adaptability shines through when paired with a variety of pasta shapes, such as penne or rigatoni. The cooking process of vodka sauce involves simmering to allow the alcohol content in the vodka to dissipate, leaving a delightful complexity in taste. This timeless Italian-American creation remains a top choice for individuals seeking to add a touch of refinement to their pasta recipes.
ingredients:
1 1/3 cup vodka (Tito’s works great)
4 cups tomato sauce
4 oz tomato paste
8 Tbsp butter
3 cups heavy cream
1 onion minced
8 garlic cloves minced
2 Tbsp freshly chopped basil
1 tsp red pepper flakes
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Directions:
Boil water in a large sauce pan or stock pot, making sure to add lots of salt. Pasta is meant to be cooked in water that is “salty as the sea”, this gives the pasta flavor.
2. Melt half the butter in a large skillet on MED-LOW heat and start caramelizing the minced onions.
3. Let the onions cook two to three minutes before adding in the minced garlic. Caramelize the garlic for only 30-45 seconds tops!
4. At this point add the vodka and tomato paste. Turn the heat up to MED-HIGH to start reducing the vodka for three or four minutes
5. Now you are ready to remove the pan from heat, allowing you to stir in the tomato sauce, heavy cream, basil, and red pepper flakes.
6. Return your pan to MED-LOW heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes. Then pour over your cooked pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves and parmesan.