Healthy Homemade Penne Alla Vodka
A creamy, flavorful pasta dish that combines the richness of tomato with a velvety sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner or family gathering.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Mixing Spoon
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces Penne Pasta Whole grain or gluten-free for a nutritious base.
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Extra virgin for richness.
- 4 cloves Garlic Minced for flavor.
- 2 cans Canned Tomatoes 14 ounces each, crushed.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream For creamy texture.
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated for maximum flavor.
- 1 handful Fresh Basil Chopped for freshness.
Seasonings
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Optional for heat.
Instructions
- 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
- 2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- 3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 4. Lower the heat and add heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- 5. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens.
- 6. Drain the pasta, reserving some cooking water. Add the pasta to the sauce, tossing to combine. Adjust consistency with reserved water if needed.
- 7. Fold in chopped basil and season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- 8. Let sit for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with additional Parmesan and basil if desired.
Notes
For variations, consider adding seasonal vegetables, proteins, or experimenting with different herbs and cheeses.