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Creamy Pink Vodka Sauce Penne Recipe with Fresh Basil and Parmesan

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A rich and velvety creamy pink vodka sauce penne with fresh basil and Parmesan, perfect for easy weeknight dinners and casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces penne pasta, cooked al dente
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1/4 cup vodka (60 ml)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, chiffonade
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of penne pasta and cook until just al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped shallot. Cook, stirring often, until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes. Avoid browning the garlic.
  3. Pour in 14 ounces crushed tomatoes and 1/4 cup vodka. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly and alcohol aroma mellows.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low and slowly stir in 1 cup heavy cream. Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if desired. Season with salt and black pepper. Simmer gently for another 5 minutes, stirring often until sauce is silky and smooth.
  5. Add cooked penne to the skillet with sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  6. Stir in 1/2 cup fresh basil chiffonade and 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Toss and remove from heat.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves and Parmesan if desired.

Notes

To prevent cream from curdling, add cream over low heat and stir constantly. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use fresh Parmesan from a block for best flavor. Sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently. For gluten-free, use gluten-free penne. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pink vodka sauce, penne pasta, fresh basil, Parmesan, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Italian pasta, comfort food

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/creamy-pink-vodka-sauce-penne-recipe-with-fresh-basil-and-parmesan-perfect-for-easy-dinners/