15 mins
25 mins
Serves 2

Penne alla Vodka


Penne alla vodka is a classic pasta dish that makes a perfect date night meal. This tomato-based dish is visually arresting and has the flavour to back it up.
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Ingredients

  • 1/6 pkg Italpasta Penne Rigate Pasta
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 slice bacon
  • 1/6 cup onion (yellow), chopped
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp chili pepper flakes, crushed
  • 5 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup Vodka
  • 1 cup heavy cooking cream
  • 1/3 cup fresh basil, torn
  • Parmigiano-Reggiano, freshly grated

Instructions

  • Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. Reserve pasta water, drain pasta and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced bacon and cook, stirring until browned, 5 to 8 minutes. Drain off excess fat leaving approx. 2-3 tbsp in pan. Add onions and chili pepper flakes and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and golden, 5 to 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes and tomato paste and cook, stirring until thick, about 2 minutes. Add vodka and cook until sauce has reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Stir in cream and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir in basil and remove from heat.
  • Toss sauce with pasta adding a bit of reserved pasta water to get the desired texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately garnished with cheese and fresh basil.
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Tips

Instead of bacon, use pancetta or sausage removed from the casing and crumbled.

Nutritional Analysis

Calories: 720kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 29gFat: 28gCholesterol: 108mgSodium: 2088mgFiber: 9gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 4950IUVitamin C: 75.9mgCalcium: 320mgIron: 6.8mg