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Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Penne ala Vodka Recipe

If you know me at all, you know I have a love for pasta. It is one of my favorite things to eat and a huge reason I run all the time. I LOVE vodka sauce on my pasta, but I am usually disappointed with most restaurants portrayal of it. Though I have had some of the best vodka sauce in Las Vegas.

I have also tried so many recipes and there was always something off with each one of them. So after making it many times, I decided to create my own recipe and take what I liked from all of them and make my Penne ala Vodka. It has some spice, two different proteins and the creamy goodness we all look for in a vodka sauce.

I hope you enjoy.
Penne ala Vodka recipe

INGREDIENTS

6 thick slices of pancetta (I try to get it from the deli, but sometimes I get a packet of large diced pancetta)
3/4 pound mild italian sausage
1 pound uncooked penne pasta
2 tsp minced garlic
1/4 to 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (depending on how much heat you like)
1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes (plum are the best)
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup vodka
salt
pepper
olive oil
Penne ala vodka ingredients
I used 4 oz of large diced pancetta this time.

DIRECTIONS

1. Cook your pasta according to the package. You want to cook it until it is al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a stock pot, add olive oil. Just about a teaspoon of oil is all you need. Brown your pancetta. Once your pancetta is brown, removed to a bowl/plate. Make sure you leave the drippings. If you have a lot of oil drippings, discard some. You want about a tablespoon of drippings.
Browned pancetta

3. Add your sausage to the drippings and cook it until it is browned.
4. Add your garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for a minute until your garlic is fragrant and slightly browned.
Penne ala vodka ingredients

5. Add your pancetta back in along with the canned tomatoes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Add your vodka and whipping cream and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, add in your pasta, toss and let it all come together. About 2 to 3 minutes.
Penne ala vodka recipe

7. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Serve and enjoy.
Penne ala vodka recipe

This isn't a very healthy dish, but it packs the flavor and is a favorite in my home.

15 comments :

  1. I love penne a la vodka! So yummy!

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  2. I've always wanted to make this, thanks for the recipe, my husband will love it too. Make sure to link this up over at Tasty Tuesday at The Blended Blog today!!

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  3. I don't think I have ever tried a vodka sauce before - this sounds great!

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  4. We LOVE vodka sauce at our house so we need to try this! Yum!!

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  5. A bowl of pasta is never ever a bad idea.

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  6. Penne and vodka is one of my all time favorite dishes! I need to make it soon!

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  7. I LOVE penne ala vodka. I always buy my vodka sauce because I'm too intimidated to make my own. The jarred sauce always sucks though. I may have to give this a try because it looks amazing!

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  8. So, so good! I never make this, but I love getting it at restaurants. This is a fun way to switch up the usual pasta or spaghetti.

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  9. Oh yum! I am definitely saving (and making) this.

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  10. Vodka sauce is my FAVORITE. Anything with vodka sauce and you can sign me up! This sounds delicious.

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  11. Sounds so yummy, I have never made this kind of sauce and I am pretty sure I have never tried it. I will have to make this!

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  12. I love vodka sauce and this looks/sounds delicious! I can easily swap in gluten free penne!

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    Replies
    1. Oh yes. You can definitely use gluten free pasta in this.

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