This Smoky Penne alla Vodka recipe brings a delightful twist to the classic Italian dish by incorporating smoky mozzarella cheese, which adds a rich depth of flavor to the creamy tomato-based sauce. With the perfect balance of vodka, tomato paste, and cream, this dish offers a luxurious texture that clings to every bite of penne pasta. Quick to prepare and incredibly flavorful, this dish is ideal for a comforting dinner that feels both indulgent and sophisticated.
Ingredients:
- ½ lb. penne or other short pasta
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- ½ shallot, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 oz. tomato paste
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ cup vodka
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup smoked mozzarella, shredded
- 2 tbsp. Italian parsley, finely chopped
- Pasta water as needed
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil.
- Then, add the penne pasta and cook it based on the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture.
- Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Vodka Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped shallot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, allowing it to become aromatic while ensuring it doesn’t scorch.
- Stir in the tomato paste and salt, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the tomato paste deepens in color and becomes slightly caramelized.
- Add the Vodka:
- Carefully pour in the vodka, stirring to combine.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2-3 minutes, letting the alcohol cook off and the flavors meld.
- Finish the Sauce:
- Slowly stir in the heavy cream, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Simmer the sauce for another 2 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Gradually add the shredded smoked mozzarella, stirring until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta in the sauce.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, allowing it to become aromatic while ensuring it doesn’t scorch.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Stir in the finely chopped Italian parsley for a fresh touch.
- Serve the Smoky Penne alla Vodka hot, with extra smoked mozzarella or parsley on top if desired.
Conclusion:
This Smoky Penne alla Vodka offers a bold and creamy twist on the traditional recipe, with the addition of smoked mozzarella enhancing the classic flavors of garlic, tomato, and cream. The vodka adds a subtle depth to the sauce, while the fresh parsley lightens it up with a hint of freshness. It’s a comforting, restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home for any occasion.
Smoky Penne alla Vodka with Smoked Mozzarella
A creamy penne alla vodka dish elevated with thesmoky richness of mozzarella cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavors inthis indulgent pasta dish.
- ½ lb. penne or other short pasta
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- ½ shallot (finely chopped)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 6 oz. tomato paste
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ cup vodka
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup smoked mozzarella (shredded)
- 2 tbsp. Italian parsley (finely chopped)
- Pasta water as needed
Cook the Pasta:
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil.
- Then, add the penne pasta and cook it based on the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture.
- Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the Vodka Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped shallot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, allowing it to become aromatic while ensuring it doesn’t scorch.
- Stir in the tomato paste and salt, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the tomato paste deepens in color and becomes slightly caramelized.
Add the Vodka:
- Carefully pour in the vodka, stirring to combine.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2-3 minutes, letting the alcohol cook off and the flavors meld.
Finish the Sauce:
- Slowly stir in the heavy cream, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Simmer the sauce for another 2 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Gradually add the shredded smoked mozzarella, stirring until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta in the sauce.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, allowing it to become aromatic while ensuring it doesn’t scorch.
Garnish and Serve:
- Stir in the finely chopped Italian parsley for a fresh touch.
- Serve the Smoky Penne alla Vodka hot, with extra smoked mozzarella or parsley on top if desired.