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–+ servings
spicy penne alla vodka in a skillet.
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5 from 1 vote

Spicy Penne Alla Vodka

This spicy penne alla vodka is a quick and easy meal that's loaded with flavor! It's made with tomatoes, mozzarella, vodka, cream, and penne pasta.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Entree
Cuisine: Italian American
Servings: 6
Author: Julie Maestre

Ingredients

  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 2 6 oz cans tomato paste 12 ounces total
  • 1 shallot finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 1 ¼ teaspoon red crushed pepper flakes or to taste
  • ½ cup vodka *Do not used flavored vodka*
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup pasta water or more if needed
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese
  • ¾ cups mozzarella balls
  • ¾ cups cherry tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Kosher salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet with high sides over medium heat.
  • Add the shallots, garlic, and red crushed pepper. Cook for 30 seconds.
  • Stir in the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 20 seconds.
  • Add the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute, then stir in the vodka and cook for about 5 minutes while stirring frequently.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and sugar. Mix until well combined and simmer over low heat while you cook the pasta.
  • Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package directions. Reserve about 2 cups of pasta water then drain the pasta.
  • Add about ¼ cup of the pasta water to the sauce and stir until well combined. Fold in the butter, pasta, parmesan cheese, and about ¾ cups of pasta water.
  • Fold in the mozzarella balls, season generously with salt and pepper, and enjoy!

Notes

  • I highly recommend adjusting this recipe to your liking. If you want it extra creamy, add more cream! If you want it thinner, add more pasta water.
  • Season generously with kosher salt. This recipe needs a good amount of salt.
  • Start with 1 teaspoon of red crushed pepper flakes and work your way up. Add more if you like it extra spicy.
  • Add at least one cup of pasta water but do it in batches. Start by stirring in 1/4 cup then add more if needed.
  • The cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls are completely optional!

Nutrition

Calories: 669kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 126mg | Potassium: 300mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1185IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 158mg | Iron: 1mg