The BEST Penne Alla Vodka | Pasta Recipes | Chef Zee Cooks

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

vodka

🥗Healthier: non-alcoholic vodka substitute

💰Cheaper: white grape juice

Non-alcoholic options provide similar flavor without alcohol.

Bring water to a boil in a large pot.

Add a few teaspoons of kosher salt to the boiling water.

Cook penne pasta about three quarters of the way through, then reserve 2 cups of pasta water before draining.

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add diced white onions and diced garlic to the skillet along with kosher salt.

Cook the onions and garlic until they develop a little color, ensuring nothing burns.

Pour in vodka and simmer until reduced by at least half.

Add tomato paste to the skillet and mix it into the onions and garlic.

Stir in tomato puree and reserved pasta water, then cover and let simmer on low for about 20 minutes.

After simmering, add heavy cream to the sauce and mix until well combined.

Add fresh basil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and mix well.

Fold in the cooked penne pasta over low heat, ensuring the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.

Optionally, add crushed red pepper flakes for heat before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens