Penne alla vodka

Penne alla vodka is an iconic dish of Italian cuisine, known for its creaminess and rich flavor. It offers a unique culinary experience where cream harmoniously blends with the distinct taste of vodka, creating a balance of flavors that is both refined and comforting. Here is a recipe for penne alla vodka:

Ingredients

• 400 g of penne
• 80 ml of vodka
• 200 ml of cooking cream
• 400 g of peeled tomatoes (or tomato puree)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Extra virgin olive oil, as needed
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, to serve
• Red chili pepper, to taste (optional)

Preparation

1. Prepare the sauce: in a pan, sauté the chopped onion and garlic in extra virgin olive oil. Add the peeled tomatoes and cook over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes.
2. Add the vodka: pour the vodka into the sauce and let the alcohol evaporate for a few minutes over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the penne: meanwhile, cook the penne in a pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water.
4. Combine pasta and sauce: add the cream to the tomato sauce in the pan and stir well. Add the drained penne and mix to flavor them in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the pasta cooking water.
5. Finish and serve: taste and adjust for salt and pepper. Serve the penne alla vodka hot, sprinkling with grated Parmesan cheese as desired.

Tips

• Quality of ingredients: use high-quality ingredients, particularly the vodka and cream.
• Evaporation of alcohol: ensure that the vodka has enough time to evaporate and reduce, to intensify the flavor.
• Spiciness: if you like a spicy touch, you can add some chopped red chili pepper along with the garlic.
• Al dente cooking: cook the penne al dente to maintain a good texture in the finished dish.

The preparation of this dish is an art that stimulates all the senses. The enveloping aroma of sautéed onion and garlic joins the fresh and slightly sweet scent of peeled tomatoes. Extra virgin olive oil adds a touch of genuineness and quality, typical of Italian cuisine, while the final dusting of grated Parmesan cheese enhances every bite with its richness. For those who love bolder flavors, the optional addition of red chili pepper can give the dish a pleasant heat.

These penne alla vodka are therefore an excellent choice for both everyday meals and special occasions, offering a culinary experience that satisfies the palate with its combination of simplicity and elegance. Buon appetito!