Penne alla vodka meets bloody mary in this flavor-packed mashup of tomatoes and vodka with celery, horseradish and Worcestershire sauce.

Recipe courtesy of Food Network Kitchen

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Penne alla Mary (00:51)

Total:: 40 min
Active:: 20 min

Yield:: 4 to 6 servings

Level:: Easy

Ingredients

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 to 3 celery stalks, chopped (about 1 cup), with some leaves reserved
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 medium red onion, chopped
2 tablespoons vodka
3 tablespoons drained brined capers, plus 1 tablespoon brine
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish with juice
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
6 medium tomatoes, diced (about 6 cups)
1 pound penne
1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Directions

Watch how to make this recipe.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the celery, garlic, onion, 1 teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 6 minutes.

Remove the skillet from the heat, add the vodka, return to the heat, and tip the pan to ignite on a gas flame (or light with a stick lighter). Let the flames cook off, about 1 minute. Stir in 1/2 cup water, the capers and brine, horseradish, Worcestershire and tomatoes and cook, covered, over medium heat, stirring once in a while, until the tomatoes are soft, about 20 minutes. Remove the lid and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Keep the sauce warm while cooking the pasta.

Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions. Drain the pasta and toss with the sauce. Serve sprinkled with the Parmesan and celery leaves.

My Private Notes

Name: Penne alla Mary
Cook time: P0Y0M0DT0H20M0.000S
Total time: P0Y0M0DT0H40M0.000S
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients: Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 2 to 3 celery stalks, chopped (about 1 cup), with some leaves reserved; 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1 medium red onion, chopped; 2 tablespoons vodka; 3 tablespoons drained brined capers, plus 1 tablespoon brine; 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish with juice; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 6 medium tomatoes, diced (about 6 cups); 1 pound penne; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan