Penne Alla Vodka

Bri22's Note:

THE ABSOLUTE BEST PENNE ALLA VODKA ANYWHERE!! CREAMY, RICH, TOMATO, VODKA SAUCE, WITH PROSCUITTO. I GUARANTEE YOU WILL LOVE THIS DISH!! *tip* squeeze the tomatoes to drain them so the sauce isnt watery

• Total Time: 15 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 -4 cloves garlic, chopped finely
• 1 cup thinly sliced prosciutto
• 1 (28 ounce) can whole tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup vodka (only a kind you would drink)
• salt and pepper
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 lb penne pasta
• 3/4 cup freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese

Directions:

1. In a wide pot big enough to hold all the pasta and sauce, melt the butter.
2. add the garlic and cook until golden brown.
3. stir in the proscuitto and cook for a a minute or two.
4. add the tomatoes, crushed pepper, pepper and salt.
5. simmer for 5 minutes.
6. stir in the cream and cook for 2 minutes stirring alot.
7. add the vodka and cook until it no longer smells strongly of vodka (about 3-5 minutes).
8. cook the pasta as directed on box but al dente.
9. add the pasta to the pot with the sauce and mix until it is all coated over the pasta.
10. toss with the cheese and serve immediately.

Reviews

[Cooks4_6]

****Original review 7/21/2008: Prosciutto, garlic, cream....how could one go wrong! Excellent flavor. I used fire roasted diced tomatoes instead of whole tomatoes. Since my DH & DD are not big fans of "chunky sauces" I might try this next time with crushed tomato....I bet it would be wonderful. Definitely a keeper! Thanks for posting! New 2010: I made this using crushed tomatos and it was much better appreciated by my DH and DD. I forgot to add the parmesan cheese, but passed it at the table. It tasted a bit sweet without it for some reason, so I won't forget it next time!

[Tamalicious121]

I made this recipe as an appetizer for Christmas yesterday. It was DELICIOUS and everyone loved it! I used a jar of one of my favorite marinara sauces instead of the can of crushed tomatoes the recipe called for. I also added cubed chicken pieces. I think the next time I make this dish I am going to add some saut?ed onions as others have mentioned. I worked in an Italian restaurant for over 8 years when I was younger and their vodka sauce is one of my family's favorites, but they were just as pleased if not more in love with this one!

[Chef #655640]

Absolutely delicious. Just like the penne alla vodka that I loved to order in Italian restaurants in NJ (it's an American-Italian dish)--it's the first recipe I've tried that comes out the right pink color. I didn't try it this time, but I've also seen this with peas in it. It's very rich. I wouldn't skimp on any of the ingredients, though. In particular I thought the prosciutto made recipe.