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Baked Penne alla Vodka: A Creamy, Flavorful Comfort Dish
If you’re craving a hearty, creamy, and comforting pasta dish, look no further than Baked Penne alla Vodka. This dish is a perfect combination of pasta, a rich tomato-vodka sauce, and melty cheese, all baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for an indulgent weeknight meal, Baked Penne alla Vodka is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
What Makes Baked Penne alla Vodka Special?
The beauty of Baked Penne alla Vodka lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The vodka sauce, made with tomatoes, heavy cream, and a splash of vodka, has a smooth, velvety texture with a subtle tang from the tomatoes and a kick from the vodka. When combined with penne pasta and baked with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan, the dish transforms into an irresistible, cheesy comfort food that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb penne pasta – Penne is the traditional choice for this dish, but feel free to substitute with other short pasta like rigatoni or ziti.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing the onions and garlic.
- 1 small onion, diced – Adds flavor and sweetness to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic gives the sauce its aromatic depth.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes – The base of the vodka sauce. You can also use whole tomatoes and crush them yourself.
- 1/2 cup vodka – The key ingredient that gives this sauce its signature flavor. Don’t worry, the alcohol cooks off during the simmering process, leaving behind a rich, flavorful sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes – Optional, but adds a little spice to balance the richness of the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste – For seasoning the sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – For the cheesy layer that melts beautifully on top.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, salty flavor.
- Fresh basil or parsley – For garnish (optional).
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the penne according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until it’s just al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Vodka Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Pour in the vodka and allow it to cook for about 2 minutes, letting the alcohol cook off and the liquid reduce slightly.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Stir in the heavy cream and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the sauce from heat and set it aside.
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