Ingredients
- Kosher salt
- 12 ounces penne
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 large shallot or 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 28-ounce can whole plum tomatoes, crushed by hand
- 3/4 cup vodka (optional)
- 3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta. Drizzle lightly with olive oil, toss and set aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook, stirring, until soft, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, vodka, the reserved cooking water, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the red pepper flakes. Bring to a rapid simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 12 to 15 minutes. Stir in the cream and simmer 1 more minute.
Add the cooked pasta, the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, the grated cheese and parsley to the sauce. Cook, tossing, 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt. Divide among bowls and top with more cheese.
Per serving: Calories 607; Fat 25 g (Saturated 10 g); Cholesterol 49 mg; Sodium 982 mg; Carbohydrate 77 g; Fiber 6 g; Protein 18 g
Photograph by Christopher Testani

Photo: Penne With Vodka Sauce Recipe
















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By Sweetjam
Arizona
on April 12, 2013
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I was not crazy about this one. The alcohol did not burn off like I thought it would. I would probs pass on the vodka next time.
By jovanna_2562938
Long Island, NY
on April 11, 2013
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This is an easy version and quick. I have young grandchildren and they eat this even with the vodka, just add the vodka after sautéing the shallots to deglaze the pan, the alcohol evaporates right away. It's the same as using red or white wine in dishes out there. I bet almost everyone makes chicken, seafood, sauce etc, with wines in the cooking process and serve it to the kids, so why not this????
By mirandje
Hudsonville, MI
on January 30, 2013
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Easy to make and tasty...even the kids liked it!! ( I did eliminate the vodka. Next time I would add a little more cream. Even tasted better reheated the next day.
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