Dinner

Penne alla Vodka

Penne in a silky, rosy tomato and cream sauce with a splash of vodka and plenty of Parmesan.

Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Serves
4
Level
Easy
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Penne alla Vodka
Photo: Brelyn Bashrum on Unsplash

This creamy pasta became a hit in the 1980s. The vodka brings out the tomato's flavour without tasting boozy.

Cooking the tomato purée until it darkens gives the sauce its depth.

Penne alla Vodka

30 min total · approx. 620 kcal per serving

Ingredients

Servings 4

Method

  1. Soften the shallot in the oil for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and chilli for 1 minute.
  2. Stir in the purée and cook for 3 minutes until it darkens.
  3. Add the vodka and bubble for 1 minute, then stir in the cream and simmer gently.
  4. Cook the pasta, keeping some water. Toss with the sauce, Parmesan and a splash of water until glossy.
Cook's noteLeave out the vodka if you prefer. The sauce is still delicious.

Calories are an estimate per serving. Diet tags are a guide only: always check ingredient labels for allergens, and see our food safety note.