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.
Wendy says
April 4, 2013 at 12:32 pmI made this last night, and OMG…was it ever delicious! This one is going into my recipe book. Thank you for posting it 🙂
Amish Stories says
August 26, 2011 at 12:09 pmGood 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.
The Harried Cook says
August 26, 2011 at 10:32 amI love vodka sauce with my pasta… I am bookmarking this! Can't wait to try it soon… Thanks for sharing 🙂
Monet says
August 24, 2011 at 8:40 pmAnything 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!
Beth says
August 23, 2011 at 12:32 amBased on your great review, I've bookmarked your recipe. Sounds terrific!
sherri lynn says
August 22, 2011 at 8:42 pmI've bookmarked this recipe if you say it's the best! I can't wait to try it!
Kitchen Belleicious says
August 22, 2011 at 12:02 pmIt really does look like the best! I love vodka sauce and who doesn't love pasta! a perfect combo indeed!
Bo says
August 21, 2011 at 2:31 pmKathleen…this sound awesome!
teresa says
August 20, 2011 at 11:11 pmoh gorgeous! i think i have everything i need for this recipe, delicious!
Kim says
August 20, 2011 at 10:38 pmPenne with vodka sauce is a real favorite for me. I'll remember this recipe when I can indulge in cream again:)
Dining Alone says
August 20, 2011 at 5:25 pmLooks absolutely fabulous!!
meeshiesmom says
August 20, 2011 at 3:29 pmI love penne with vodka sauce and can't wait to make yours!
Karen
Chris says
August 20, 2011 at 11:51 amI 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.
Sue/the view from great island says
August 20, 2011 at 10:48 amThis 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!
Healthy and Homemade says
August 20, 2011 at 6:03 amOh my, sounds fantastic! If you say it's the best, then I'm definitely bookmarking this for when we're craving vodka sauce! =)
Linda A. Thompson says
August 20, 2011 at 3:01 amThis is one of my favorite recipes, too. Yours looks terrific!
SprinkleBakes says
August 19, 2011 at 11:06 pmThat looks so good! I can't wait to try it out!
Velva says
August 19, 2011 at 10:26 pmCheers 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
All Things Yummy says
August 19, 2011 at 9:30 pmso glad I have vodka in my pantry to try out this recipe.
girlichef says
August 19, 2011 at 9:15 pmMmmm..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! =)
Emily says
August 19, 2011 at 8:13 pmLooks yummy!! Is there a decent substitute for the vodka?
Jeanette says
August 19, 2011 at 7:50 pmSo 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.
Taryn (Have Kitchen, Will Feed) says
August 19, 2011 at 7:38 pmPenne alla vodka is one of my favorite dishes. Props!
That Girl says
August 19, 2011 at 7:21 pmSuch gorgeous penne.
Jennifer says
August 19, 2011 at 7:07 pmHoly 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.