Spicy Penne alla Vodka
This spicy penne alla vodka is full of San Marzano tomatoes, prosciutto, shallots, garlic, vodka and penne pasta. This is the perfect wintertime dish.
Until I moved to New York I had never given pasta a fair chance. I grew up eating very little since my father was never a fan of Italian food. On occasion we would have baked spaghetti or maybe even homemade meatballs with pasta but that was about as far as it went.
The first time I heard I heard of vodka sauce I was confused. Vodka? In spaghetti sauce? Well it’s obviously a little more than JUST throwing in vodka in tomato sauce. Luckily I learned how to make this delicious pasta about 10 years ago and have been able to enjoy it ever since. I don’t make it a lot (not really sure why…) but when I do I gorge myself until I’m so full I just want to sleep. Ok, maybe that’s why…
 This time around I made sure to add a little spice to the party. If you’re not a huge fan of spice just add a little less crushed red pepper. Plus I threw in sautéed chicken to add a little more protein. It’s also delicious with shrimp.
I was also give the opportunity to test out a brand new Anolon pan. Is there anything quiet as lovely as cooking with a brand new pan? Seriously. I feel like it takes a simple dish and makes it even easier.
Looking for more pasta dishes? Try my creamy sausage mushroom fennel tortellini, lamb bolognese or my linguine alle vongole.
Spicy Penne alla Vodka
This spicy penne alla vodka is full of San Marzano tomatoes, prosciutto, shallots, garlic, vodka and penne pasta. This is the perfect wintertime dish.
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small shallot, diced
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 3 ounces sliced prosciutto, diced
- 1 (28 ounces) can San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- (Use only 1/2 teaspoon for less heat)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast (grilled or sautéed)
Directions:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add in salt and pasta. Following box directions cook until al dente. Drain the pasta, drizzle with a little olive oil, stir and set aside.
In a large high sided skillet melt butter over medium heat and add in shallots. Sauté until translucent. Add in garlic and prosciutto and sauté for about 30 seconds.
Add in tomatoes and red pepper and simmer for 5 minutes.
Pour in heavy cream and vodka. Simmer for 5 minutes
Toss in pasta and Parmesan cheese. Stir until pasta is fully covered. If the sauce is too thick you can add a splash more cream to thin it out. Stir in your chicken (if using) and let warm through.
Omelettes.
Did you know I’ve never had vodka sauce?! Crazy – must try your recipe ASAP!
nutmegnanny replied: — January 20th, 2014 @ 12:47 pm
Whaaaaa???? Give it a try and let me know what you think! 🙂
That is some seriously gorgeous pasta! Can you come make it for me?
I have never had Vodka Sauce before, but your recipe sounds so good,
I will give it a try and make something new for dinner.
My two loves, spicy food and pasta! How could I possibly resist this?
I would so make this penne first! I love pasta. I’ve never had vodka sauce and always have wanted to, so this is a must try!
Aside from everything?!
cabbage rolls!
I will make orange glazed pork chops.
I love vodka sauce and pasta… need to make this SOON.
Well now I”m definitely going to be craving vodka sauce for the rest of today! It’s one of my favorites!!
So many things to make! Maybe spicy chicken pasta.
I have never tried Vodka sauce! If I won I would definitely use the new pans to make your recipe 🙂
… If I can wait that long to make it… Lol 🙂
Looks yummy! Just the right amount of spice!
Oh man that looks incredible! I love a good penne and vodka sauce, this definitely looks like a winner. Great job 🙂
Happy Blogging!
Happy Valley Chow
Most likely skillet baked penne! I’m always down for pasta!
Pasta and booze? You know I’m down.
I must try this recipe… pronto!! So if I win this will be the first thing 🙂
The only vodka sauce we eat is straight out of a jar, so I would love to make this recipe first! Thanks for the giveaway!
Something Healthy!
I would def begin by making a German pork stew with spaetzle, and this looks like it would be just enough pans to get it done 😉
Aside from this dish, a big pot of soup
I would use these pans for everything because all of my pans need replaced. But the first thing I would make would be some stir fry and egg rolls. Thanks so much for the chance!
My husband loves vodka sauce, but I’ve never made it!
The first thing I’d make would probably be risotto, though. I’ve been playing with lots of different types lately. Last night I made a barley risotto with white beans, bacon, spinach and asiago cheese. Mmm…
I love everything about this dish, Brandy!
I would love to make my Curry Chicken first and go from there!!!
This pasta!
I recently found your site and can’t wait to try your delicious looking/sounding recipes ! Would be even better with this great cookware set rather than using my beaten down set I have now!
My husband and I bought cheap cookwear when we moved into our first home!! I’d love to make some scrambled eggs for our daughters without them sticking!!
Definitely this dish. Looks like the right pans to make Beef Stroganoff. 🙂
I would love to make japanese stir fry!!
I would probably make vegetable stir-fry first since we have tons left in the freezer from this years crop, and maybe couscous instead of rice. 🙂
I really want to make this recipe! I love vodka sauce dishes but have never made it I’m ashamed to say I usually cheat.
Chicken picata would be my choice to make
I’d make spaghetti and meatballs!
What would I make first?! OH BOY… I can’t even think straight right now… this cookware would be compatible with my new induction cooktop! *swoon*
I would make a huge skillet cookie! 🙂
I’ve seen vodka sauces at the grocery store, but never eaten anything with a vodka sauce. But wine works in sauces, so why not? And your homemade version (I bet) would bet any premade bottled sauce. I love that you made it spicy – it sounds delectable!
Brandy you are spicing up my life! Stuffing my face with this creamy carb goodness, then passing out? I’m in.
This looks amazing- I’ve never put chicken in my penne vodka but I will now!
i know this sounds simple- grilled cheese= with brie and apples and chicken
First would be the big pot of gumbo.
SOME RICE WITH PIGEON PEAS AND STEAK SAUTEED WITH ONIONS MMM!
Goodness, I just want a giant owl bowl of this right now!
I would use it for some yummy chicken and broccoli, right now my favorite!
How about this vodka sauce? I love vodka sauce too (probably my favorite pasta sauce) but I’ve never made it myself, and I’m sure homemade is infinitly better than jarred! Either that or soup, which I love love love. Any soup really, but a thick carrot soup would be really nice.
I would most likely make spaghetti or Swedish meatballs. 🙂
Soup is my favorite dinner item to make. But pasta dishes are a second favorite in our house. Beautiful cookware!
I would love to make some chicken Alfredo with this great set if I won!
I’d love to make an oldie but a goodie-and my guy’s favorite-Veal Marsala in that beautiful cookware.
A big pot of chili for this cold weather
I try a new recipe every week. I have just added Spicy Penne alla Vodka to my list to try.
I would definitely make your Spicy Penne alla Vodka in this incredible cookware set!!!
I think I’d like to make that Spicy Penne alla Vodka! That sounds delicious!
Pork tenderloin with apple bbq sauce!
I would make this dish in honor of this great giveaway…I too have never tried vodka sauce…thx for both the recipe and the giveaway 🙂
This dish looks amazing! I love those pans too! The possibilities are endless!
That is some beautiful cookware. I would make all kinds of things!
I’ve never had a vodka sauce…I’m gonna have to try it soon. And those pans are awesome..I have one and love it!
This looks wonderful! I would definitely make this pasta dish and many other recipes with those lovely pans.
Shrimp pasta
With this set of cookware I’d make a big pot of soup.
This dish-minus the chicken and prosciutto, because we keep kosher 🙂
Soup is the first thing I’d make.
I would love to make minestrone with vegan sausage! 🙂
I’d make spaghetti for my husband.
I’d make a risotto and braised short rib
This incredible pasta recipe cooked in gorgeous Anolon Nouvelle Copper Cookware…I want it all !
I would make my homemade lasagna. Makes me hungry just thinking about it!
Dying to try skillet lasagna! First thing I would make in my new skillet. Thank you for giving all a chance to win!
This would probably be the first thing I’d make. Because I am addicted to (gasp!) jarred vodka sauce and should probably be making my own!
What a lovely giveaway! My family loves soup, so I’d start with a pot of vegetable beef, with lots of rutabaga and turnip, and a loaf of fresh bread.
sounds yummy and I’d love that cookware.
Oh wow that looks amazing! To be honest, I’d love to make a chili! My pans don’t allow me to brown the meat, saute veggie and/or simmer it all together without burning it or having it all be a mushy mess. Oh, and pan searing my meats, what a dream! lol
Love the look of homemade vodka sauce, but I would love to make paella with the big fry pan.
I would be excited to make so many things! I think I’d start with a soup in the big pot – I’ve only ever had a junky Dutch oven, and it would be nice to see the difference a quality vessel makes!
First, I would make chicken marshals. Then I would make your pasta dish. It’s looks delish.