This penne alla vodka recipe is a super quick and easy pasta dish that you’ll make over and over again, with Zia Francesca’s stamp of approval!
Originally published June 3, 2013.
My Zia (Aunt) Francesca adores Italy more than anyone I know.
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TO SKIP THE STORY, SCROLL DOWN TO THE PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD,
BUT YOU’LL MISS THE STEP BY STEP PHOTOS
No, really–I am being completely serious. She was born in Italy, but it’s more than a love for one’s country as her passion exceeds that 100 times over. Heaven help you if you say anything slightly derogatory about anything or anyone, even remotely Italian, as she will promptly ensure that you are enlightened as to why you are wrong.
An Alitalia flight attendent once gave her a bottle of champagne mid-flight solely because she was so pro-Italia!
She lives in Toronto—the Italian part, of course—where they often speak “Italese”, which is Italian and Inglese (English) mixed together. It is not uncommon to hear phrases like, “I’m going to pick up la cake,” or “mehttele raynd eeh garbeege” (pronounced “gahr-BEEGE”) which is partially dialect, and translates to “put it in the garbage.”
Once, when I was visiting my aunt, she asked me if I wanted an espresso, as everyone was having coffee. I told her,
“Zia, remember, I don’t like coffee?”
Well, that was the wrong answer! She then exclaimed,
“CREEES-teee-NAH! How can you be eetalian if you don’t dreenk coffee? Am gonna make one for you, and you’re gonna like it!”
(Cue the aunt from My Big Fat Greek Wedding, “What do you mean he don’t eat no meat? That’s okay, I make lamb.”)
So Zia Franca made me an espresso, and I liked it. Truly, I did actually enjoy it because she put about five teaspoons of whipped sugar into it (it reminded me of coffee ice-cream, which I love because it’s so sweet)!
Besides going to bat for Italy, and all things Italian, Zia Francesca is a seamstress who can whip out a set of fancy curtains, or a gorgeous wedding dress from her sewing machine before you’ve even decided on the fabric.
Her house is always perfectly clean (no maid, she does it all), and oh, did I mention she’s also does hair? So it probably won’t surprise you, when I tell you that she’s also a frickin’ sensational cook. Zia Francesca is the chef’s equivalent to a gardener with ten green thumbs–yes, she’s that good! Anything she makes is “over-the-top delicious” and it’s really, really difficult not to overeat at her house.
Zia’s 24 hour Crema di Limoncello recipe (Creamy Limoncello)
So years ago, when Zia Francesca told me to make her penne alla vodka recipe, I should have listened the very first time! She kept telling me how fabulous it was and would tell me how she made it, but I would always forget to try it.
One evening, I finally made her penne alla vodka recipe, but it was probably after the sixth time she had described it to me, and I’m telling you, I could have kicked myself. Not only was it so incredibly tasty, but the vodka sauce was ready before the pasta was even finished cooking! HELLO? What more could anyone ask for?
I now make Zia Francesca’s penne alla vodka recipe for a quick and easy weeknight meal, or when I when I have guests for dinner and want rave reviews, and want to make something I know everyone will love. It’s also easy to turn this into a vegetarian meal by omitting the pancetta, or a celiac-friendly meal by using gluten-free pasta.
What I’m trying to tell you is that you need to make this pasta recipe! Even if you’re not a multi-talented, super-seamstress, top chef, hairstyling Italian zealot, who has the cleanest house in the neighborhood, you can still make this delicious pasta and impress your family and friends. Hey, you never know, the other skills may follow (insert maniacal laughter here). 😂
*This blog post won 2nd Place at the 2013 Orange County Fair! Zia is very happy! (7/13)
TIPS ~ (See also FAQs Below)
1. Use top quality ingredients for the best results in the flavor of the final dish.
2. Use enough salt! If you have used all the correct ingredients, but it doesn’t taste great, I’d be 99% sure you haven’t added enough salt; use enough, without over-salting.
3. Zia and I don’t measure the ingredients. This recipe is a basic guide, but we’re not baking so the amounts aren’t critical. Don’t skimp on the oil, but use the amounts listed as a reference point, adding a little more (or less) vodka and cream if you like! :)
Zia Francesca’s Penne Alla Vodka
Recipe by Francesca Martucci serves 5
Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp good quality extra virgin olive oil
- 4 or 5 cloves of garlic, smashed with the flat part of a knife blade
- 1 or 2 oz (1/3 cup) pancetta, cut into small pieces (omit for vegetarian)
- small bunch of Italian parsley, chopped
- 24 to 28 oz good quality Italian tomato puree
- Kosher or sea salt, to taste
- 2 oz (1/4 cup) good quality vodka
- 2 oz heavy cream, preferably organic
- 5 or 6 leaves of fresh basil
- 1 lb good quality pasta (the brand of pasta is an example of good quality pasta)
In a large pot, cook the penne according to the instructions on the box. It is important to use enough water, and to add the pasta only when the water is boiling. Stir often to avoid the pasta sticking
(do not add oil to the water as it is unnecessary.)
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil over medium to med-high heat in a very large, deep saute pan, then add the pancetta (if using) and cook for a minute or two, then add the garlic.
When the garlic just starts to brown, add the chopped parsley, and turn the burner up to high. After a minute or so (when the pan is very hot), add the tomato puree and have the lid ready in case it bubbles out of the pan, then stir quickly with a wooden spoon.
Do not cook the sauce with the lid on, lower the heat, but cook the sauce so it is briskly simmering (this is a quick sauce, not one which simmers low and long.)
Add salt and continue to stir often, making sure it doesn’t dry up.
After approximately 7 or 8 minutes, when the sauce has started to thicken, check for salt, then add the vodka and stir well.
Add the cream, and stir well. Once it comes to a simmer, turn off the heat.
Last, but not least, stir in the chopped basil.
When the pasta is ready (make sure it is al dente), drain it in a colander, but reserve some pasta water. Add the pasta to the vodka sauce and stir well. After one taste you’ll agree that this is the best penne alla vodka recipe, ever!
If this is a weeknight meal, I just serve it from the pot, and add a little sauce to each plate. If you are serving to guests, prepare a large pasta bowl, by warming it with very hot water, then add the pasta with sauce, and top with more sauce a sprig of basil, or some chopped Italian parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
BUON APPETITO! 🇮🇹
Frequently Asked Questions about Penne Alla Vodka~
- Can kids eat vodka sauce? YES! First of all, in this recipe, the alcohol is minimal, but even if you add more, the alcohol evaporates from the cooking process so children can eat this dish, too. They love it!
- What can I substitute for vodka in penne alla vodka sauce? You can substitue anything you like, just know it won’t be “penne alla vodka” anymore. If you can’t/don’t use alcohol, just make a creamy tomato sauce by omitting the vodka.
- What vodka do you use for vodka sauce? I always use good quality ingredients in my cooking and baking, and this also applies to the vodka. I currently have Grey Goose vodka in my kitchen, but also use Belvedere or Ketel One.
- Is there alcohol in penne alla vodka? As noted in the first question, no, the alcohol is cooked out.
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Zia Francesca's Penne alla Vodka
One of the easiest, but tastiest pasta recipes you'll ever make. Get ready for rave reviews.
Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp good quality extra virgin olive oil
- 4 or 5 cloves of garlic, smashed with the flat part of a knife blade
- 1 or 2 oz (1/3 cup) pancetta, cut into small pieces (omit for vegetarian)
- small bunch of Italian parsley, chopped
- 24 to 28 oz good quality Italian tomato puree
- Kosher or sea salt, to taste
- 2 oz (1/4 cup) good quality vodka
- 2 oz heavy cream, preferably organic
- 5 or 6 leaves of fresh basil
- 1 lb good quality pasta (the brand of pasta is an example of good quality pasta)
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the penne according to the instructions on the box. It is important to use enough water, and to add the pasta only when the water is boiling; stir often to avoid the pasta sticking (do not add oil to the water, it is unecessary.)
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil over medium to med-high heat in a very large, deep sauté pan, then add the pancetta and cook for a minute or two, then add the garlic.
- When the garlic just begins to brown, add the chopped parsley, and turn the burner up to high. After a minute or so (when the pan is very hot), add the tomato puree and have the lid ready in case it bubbles out of the pan, then stir quickly with a wooden spoon.
- Do not cook the sauce with the lid on, lower the heat, but cook the sauce so it is briskly simmering (this is a quick sauce, not one which simmers low and long.)
- Add salt and continue to stir often, making sure it doesn't dry up.
- After approximately 7 or 8 minutes, when the sauce has started to thicken, check for salt, then add the vodka and stir well.
- Add the cream, and stir well. Once it comes to a simmer, turn off the heat.
- Last, but not least, stir in the chopped basil.
- When the pasta is ready (make sure it is al dente), drain it in a colander, but reserve some pasta water. Add the pasta to the vodka sauce and stir well. Add pasta water as needed.
- If this is a weeknight meal, I just serve it from the pot, and add a little sauce to each plate. If you are serving to guests, prepare a large pasta bowl, by warming it with very hot water, then add the pasta with sauce, and top with more sauce and a sprig of basil, or some chopped Italian parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Be sure to keep some pasta water to use in the final step.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 5 Serving Size: 1 bowlAmount Per Serving:Calories: 589Total Fat: 26gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 76gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 23g
Nutrition information is only estimated.
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Not sure about the Cream, do you think it’s necessary?
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Wow! I have to make this recipe after reading this post because this is looking like a tasty recipe. Thanks for sharing this recipe
Looks absolutely fantastic — and I can easily use shallots in place of the garlic. We are eating a ton of pasta these days — some dried, some freshly made in my kitchen! Coincidentally, I even found where I had hidden the vodka! (It was buried in the freezer!) Thanks for sharing your zia’s recipe!
Great recipe! And I can say that from experience, since coincidentally this is exactly how I make penna alla vodka, too, except for the pancetta, which I’ve never used but now I’m kind of curious to try…
Your Zia Francesca sounds like a real hoot. We all need a Zia like that in our lives. :-)
I’m done buying jarred vodka sauce, because this recipe is crazy good and simple.
You made my day, Adam!! Yippee!!
This sounds totally gorgeous and so simple. Just what is needed just now.
Thanks, Janice!