The Best Penne with Vodka Sauce (IMHO), it’s true! This complete flavor package has earned its place in our monthly rotation.
This is one of my all-time favorite pasta dishes. When my husband used to travel for work, this was the dish that my son and I would always have for dinner. It is total comfort food to me. It is from the wonderful book Trattoria by Patricia Wells’. I remember reading a bunch of Amazon reviews before I bought this book and more than one reviewer said that this recipe alone was worth the price of the book. I could not agree more. This is by far and away the best Penne with vodka sauce I’ve had. I deeply love Patricia Wells for this recipe! Thank you, Patricia, my Penne with Vodka Sauce angel !!!!
More Pasta Recipes!
- Chicken Alfredo – Easy, ultra creamy, rich, decadent and just may be the best pasta recipe ever!
- Greek Pasta – An easy dish that your whole family will enjoy—carnivores and herbivores alike!
- One Skillet Shrimp and Pasta Scampi – Delicious meal for the family, all conveniently cooked in one skillet!
- Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno– Our recipe for Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno is a delicious version of this wonderful meal. Uber Cheesy, warm and comforting – truly delightful!
Source: Slightly Adapted From Patricia Wells
The Best Penne with Vodka Sauce (IMHO)
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
- 6 Garlic Cloves Chopped
- 1 Pinch Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- Salt
- 1-28 Ounces Crushed Tomatoes In Puree Canned
- 1 Pound Dried Penne Pasta
- 2 Tablespoons Vodka
- 1 Cup Heavy Cream
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley Roughly Chopped
Instructions
- In an unheated skillet large enough to hold the pasta later, combine the oil, garlic, crushed red pepper and 1 teaspoon of salt, stirring to coat with the oil. Cook over low-moderate heat for 2-3 minutes. Do NOT brown garlic. Add crushed tomatoes. Stir to blend, and simmer uncovered until the sauce thickens about 15 minutes. (This step is super important. The sauce needs to thicken for the flavors to intensify. So the amount of time you cook it is less important than the consistency. You may need to cook it longer than 15 minutes.) Taste for seasoning.
- Meanwhile, bring 6 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Add 2-3 tablespoons of salt and the penne. Stir to prevent sticking and cook until al dente. Drain thoroughly.
- Add the drained pasta to skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss. Add the vodka, and toss again, then add the cream and toss. Cover, reduce the heat to low and let rest for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb the sauce. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
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I made this last night, and OMG…was it ever delicious! This one is going into my recipe book. Thank you for posting it 🙂
Good morning folks and I'm sure some of you are watching hurricane Irene's movements especially if you live on the east coast. …………. I have a post called “Lancaster on 2 wheels” today on Amish Stories where i tour the Amish country side taking pictures and observations which I've just posted…………….Enjoy your weekend everyone and i hope your out of Irene's path and safe. Richard from Amish Stories.
I love vodka sauce with my pasta… I am bookmarking this! Can't wait to try it soon… Thanks for sharing 🙂
Anything with vodka sauce makes my stomach grumble. Thank you for sharing…and thank you for leaving such kind words on my own blog. You make me smile!
Based on your great review, I've bookmarked your recipe. Sounds terrific!
I've bookmarked this recipe if you say it's the best! I can't wait to try it!
It really does look like the best! I love vodka sauce and who doesn't love pasta! a perfect combo indeed!
Kathleen…this sound awesome!
oh gorgeous! i think i have everything i need for this recipe, delicious!
Penne with vodka sauce is a real favorite for me. I'll remember this recipe when I can indulge in cream again:)
Looks absolutely fabulous!!
I love penne with vodka sauce and can't wait to make yours!
Karen
I have a confession. I've never heard of Patricia Wells before today (I know! right?)
I think I'll make this during the week. I've got a nice bottle of vodka that isn't getting consumed.
This looks delicious. I've had this in restaurants but never made it myself. Your photos are great, this could be my go to winter pasta, I usually have all these ingredients around. Welcome to the group!
Oh my, sounds fantastic! If you say it's the best, then I'm definitely bookmarking this for when we're craving vodka sauce! =)
This is one of my favorite recipes, too. Yours looks terrific!
That looks so good! I can't wait to try it out!
Cheers to women who rock through cooking. This is an awesome pasta dish, I can see why it would be a favorite in your family.
Cheers.
Velva
so glad I have vodka in my pantry to try out this recipe.
Mmmm..that sounds amazing. I have never found “the perfect” vodka sauce- I'll be making this soon! Glad you've joined us in our tribute to the 50! =)
Looks yummy!! Is there a decent substitute for the vodka?
So interesting to find Penne with Vodka Sauce among Patricia Wells' recipes as I thought most of her recipes were French! Thanks for sharing this recipe for a popular dish.
Penne alla vodka is one of my favorite dishes. Props!
Such gorgeous penne.
Holy macaroni, or rather holy penne! I love vodka sauce pasta and this looks delicious. I've never made it myself so may need to give it a try.