Go Back
STEP BY STEP PHOTOS ABOVE!Have a look at my step-by-step photo instructions, variations and tips. That way, you can get it perfect the first time you try it!
penne alla vodka recipe

Classic Penne alla Vodka Recipe

Barbara Felicità Lucchini
Penne alla vodka recipe is quick and easy to make, ready in minutes. It's a tasty and flavorful pasta dish that was very fashionable in Italy in the 1980s. But it's so good that it has never gone out of fashion.
Like almost all typical preparations from that decade, heavy cream is one of the main ingredients. Pancetta, vodka and tomato passata are the other ingredients that make this recipe so special.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course pasta
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 849 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 350 g pasta 12 oz, penne
  • 200 g pancetta 7 oz
  • 60 ml vodka ¼ cup
  • 1 onion small
  • 400 g tomato passata 1 ¾ cups
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
  • 200 g heavy cream 1 ¾ cups
  • salt to taste

Instructions
 

Make the Vodka Sauce

  • On a wooden cutting board, cut the pancetta into small pieces.
  • Then finely slice the onion and sauté it for 2 minutes in a large nonstick skillet with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
  • Add the pancetta and cook over low heat for about 3 to 4 minutes, until slightly crispy.
  • Then raise the heat and pour in the vodka. Let the alcohol evaporate while keeping the heat medium-high for a few minutes.
  • When the alcohol has completely evaporated, add the tomato passata. TIP: If your passata is too thick, add ½ cup of water.
  • Season with a pinch of salt to taste and stir. Cook for 5-8 minutes over medium heat without a lid, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the heavy cream and stir. Cook for 2-3 minutes over medium heat until the wodka sauce is quite thick and creamy, then turn off the heat and let it rest.

Cook and Season the Pasta

  • Cook the penne in plenty of salted water following the cooking time written on the package. When cooked, drain them al dente.
  • Put them directly into the pan with the vodka sauce. Turn the heat back on if the sauce has cooled in the meantime. If not, stir carefully and serve the penne alla vodka immediately, hot and steaming.

Nutrition

Serving: 100gCalories: 849kcalCarbohydrates: 79gProtein: 21gFat: 46gSaturated Fat: 19gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 379mgPotassium: 821mgFiber: 5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1264IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 78mgIron: 3mg
Keyword penne alla vodka recipe
Tried this recipe?Mention @recipesfromitaly or tag #recipesfromitaly!