Penne alla Vodka

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Dec. 13, 2023
This easy and impressive pasta is always on the menu when my husband and I invite first-time guests over for dinner. Many friends have asked me to make the recipe again years after they first tried it. —Cara Langer, Overland Park, Kansas

Ingredients

  • 1 package (16 ounces) penne pasta
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, cut into strips
  • 1 can (28 ounces) whole plum tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 1/4 cup vodka
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic; cook and stir 1 minute. Add prosciutto; cook 2 minutes longer. Stir in tomatoes, vodka, salt and pepper flakes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes. Stir in cream; cook 2-3 minutes longer, stirring occasionally.
  3. Drain pasta. Add pasta and cheese to sauce; toss to combine.

Test Kitchen Tips
  • To keep pasta from sticking together when cooking, use a large pot with plenty of water. Add a little cooking oil if desired (this also prevents boiling over).
  • There’s nothing like fresh pasta. The process may seem intimidating, but it’s actually very easy to do! All you need is a little time. To get a jump on it, make dough 2 to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator until you are ready to roll it out.
  • Check out 75 of our best pasta recipes or if you want more vodka-themed recipes, see our holiday drinks with vodka.
  • Nutrition Facts

    1-1/3 cups: 504 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 966mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein.