Real Recipes From Real Home Cooks ®

penne with vodka sauce

Recipe by
Angela (Grammy) Derby
Charlotte, NC

This is the first time I've ever tried making Vodka Sauce, and it won't be the last. Wow! Who knew how easy it is to make.

yield 6 serving(s)
prep time 10 Min
cook time 20 Min
method Stove Top

Ingredients For penne with vodka sauce

  • kosher salt
  • 1 lb. box
    penne pasta
  • 1 28 oz. can
    crushed tomatoes
  • 1 Tbsp
    butter
  • 1 Tbsp
    olive oil
  • 2
    large shallots, minced
  • 1
    clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp
    red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 lb.
    prosciutto, thinly sliced and cut into 1" pieces
  • 1/2 c
    vodka
  • 2/3 c
    heavy cream
  • 1/2 c
    freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • handful of fresh basil leaves, torn, plus more for topping

How To Make penne with vodka sauce

  • 1
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook as the label directs. Reserve 1/2 c. cooking water, then drain the pasta.
  • 2
    Meanwhile, melt the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Add prosciutto and cook 3-4 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vodka, crushed tomatoes and salt to taste. Return the skillet to medium heat and simmer, stirring often, until the alcohol cooks off, about 7 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. Stir in the parmesan and basil.
  • 3
    Add the pasta to the sauce and toss to combine, adding some of the reserved cooking water to loosen, if needed. Season with salt. Serve, topped with more parmesan and basil.

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