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How to Make Chef John's Penne with Vodka Sauce - A Step-by-Step Guide

Chef John's penne with vodka sauce is a delicious and indulgent pasta dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. The creamy vodka sauce is rich and flavorful, and it pairs perfectly with the tender pasta, creating a dish that is both comforting and elegant. Whether you are cooking for a crowd or just enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this recipe is sure to impress.

The key to this dish is the homemade vodka sauce, which is made with a combination of tomatoes, cream...

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Ingredients

  • 4 ounces pancetta bacon, diced
  • 1 small sprig fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup vodka
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 3 cups prepared marinara sauce
  • ¾ cup water
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) package multigrain penne pasta (such as Barilla®)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 50 mins
  • Additional Time: 5 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
  • Servings: 6

  • Cook and stir pancetta and rosemary sprig with olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat until pancetta renders its fat but is not crisp, about 5 minutes. Pour vodka into the skillet, standing back to avoid any flare-ups. Raise heat to high and continue to cook until vodka reduces to about 2 tablespoons.
  • Pour heavy cream into skillet, stir briefly, and add black pepper; bring sauce to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook and stir until sauce has slightly reduced, 3 to 4 minutes. Mix marinara sauce and water into cream mixture and bring to a simmer. Lower heat and simmer sauce 20 to 25 minutes to blend flavors.
  • Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Stir in penne and return to a boil. Cook pasta, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but still chewy, about 10 minutes; drain and return to the pot. Pour sauce over penne and stir to combine. Turn off heat, cover the pot with a lid, and let stand for 5 minutes to allow pasta to absorb sauce. Serve sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.

    • Nutrition

    602 cal.

    • Total Fat: 25g
    • Saturated Fat: 10g
    • Cholesterol: 48mg
    • Sodium: 791mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 68g
    • Dietary Fiber: 11g
    • Total Sugars: 11g
    • Protein: 16g
    • Vitamin C: 3mg
    • Calcium: 118mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 460mg

    Categories

    Italian recipes
    Pasta recipes
    Vodka sauce recipes
    Main recipes
    Easy recipes