Ingredients
Scale
Gathering ingredients for this dish is like picking up the pieces of a treasured family puzzle, each item playing a crucial role in bringing the whole picture to life. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1 can (28 ounces) Trader Joe’s San Marzano style tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Feel free to substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative if you prefer a dairy-free version. And for a bit of extra kick, consider adding a pinch more red pepper flakes.
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, but reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. This step always reminds me of the hours spent in Nonna Rosa’s kitchen, learning the art of patience and flavor.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the vodka, stirring and allowing it to simmer until reduced by half, approximately 2-3 minutes. This was a trick I picked up during my culinary travels in Italy, where balance is key.
- Add the Trader Joe’s San Marzano style tomatoes, crushing them with a wooden spoon. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Stir in the heavy cream, and let the sauce continue to simmer for another 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Toss in the cooked penne pasta, adding the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and coat the pasta luxuriously.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and finish with fresh basil leaves for a touch of color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
