Penne alla Vodka
Have you got a little bit of vodka left in the bottom of a bottle somewhere? In the back of THAT cupboard? Have you been waiting for the next visitor who asks for a Vodka Soda Lime just so you don’t waste it?
Well, you don’t have to! You can use it in this delicious pasta recipe, this is a classic Italian dish which is very simple. It is our go-to quick recipe when we have had a long day at work and just want something wholesome and full of flavour.
Our Malt Barley Vodka is actually a fantastic accompaniment to this particular recipe. The texture of the vodka works brilliantly with the cream added just after, really bringing the vodka to life and creating a super silky, velvety sauce.
Top tip: Add salt in every time you add a new ingredient! When we first made this recipe, we collectively felt as a family that more salt was needed. So, we experimented with a little bit of stock but that overpowered it, and took away from the creaminess - instead adding dashes of salt did the trick!
Ingredients Serves 4 Time: 30mins Total
A large handful per person of Penne Pasta
Olive Oil
Butter
1 Onion (white if you want a milder flavour, red if you want a more tangy flavour)
1 Garlic Clove
4 tbsp Malt Barley Vodka
4 tbsp Tomato Paste
250mls Heavy Cream
Basil
Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Begin to boil your penne pasta adding salt to the water for flavour.
- Heat the pan while you finely chop the onion and garlic. When the penne pasta has about 7 minutes left, move on to the next step.
- Melt the butter in the pan and when hot, add the onions. Cook until slightly brown and softened.
- Add the chopped/minced garlic. Cook for a further 2 minutes.
- Add the vodka and simmer until fully incorporated with the onions and garlic.
- Reduce heat slightly and add the tomato paste and stir to combine.
- Add your cream to taste, we usually like it quite creamy so use it all.
- When the pasta is ready to eat, drain and keep a lone tbsp of the water. Add this to your sauce for more flavour.
- Add the pasta to your sauce and stir through. Prepare your bowls or plates.
- Finish with a few leaves of fresh basil for garnish and grated parmesan cheese.
