Add the pasta to the vodka sauce and stir well. That’s wonderful to hear, Jennifer! If this is a weeknight meal, I just serve it from the pot, and add a little sauce to each plate. It was amazing! Penne arrabbiata is a classic Italian spicy pasta dish. Of course, if you wanted to do a printable version with a picture of the finished dish that would be even better. Yes, this cheesy chicken penne recipe uses jarred vodka sauce. My husband and I both loved this. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Penne alla vodka is nothing more than a tomato sauce laced with cream, vodka and hot pepper paste. I will thank your Zia personally! Super easy, super quick dish for a busy weekday meal. They should all have the option, but I haven’t updated all of my recipes, yet! Adriana learned how to make this recipe by watching her Italian grandmother make it for her family. Penne Alla Vodka. I love that it's a pasta dish that doesn't require a jar of sauce! (An interesting side note: as we were having lunch here, our Zia Francesca and Zio Carmine (from Canada), cousin Gianfranco and Zia Iolanda were about 5 minutes away, […]. Split Pea Soup (without Ham) Quick and Easy, Coddled Eggs (How to Coddle Eggs – Easy Directions), 4 or 5 cloves of garlic, smashed with the flat part of a knife blade, 6 Tbsp good quality extra virgin olive oil, 1 or 2 oz (1/3 cup) pancetta, cut into small pieces (omit for vegetarian), 24 to 28 oz good quality Italian tomato puree, 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. Slowly pour in the cream and cook over low heat for an additional 5 minutes. ;) CC, Looks yummy! This look FANTASTIC!! Add the onions and cook for about 5 minutes, until the onions are translucent. Cook pasta according to package directions. 5 or 6 leaves of fresh basil. 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Quite a lady. Add the vodka… This sounds totally gorgeous and so simple. Thank you for the delicious recipe! https://letsdishrecipes.com/creamy-sausage-rigatoni/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=936870960_41459134_10757, Great recipe! Bring to a boil. We are eating a ton of pasta these days — some dried, some freshly made in my kitchen! Nice recipe CREEES-teee-NAH :), That’s SO funny!!! To keep pasta from sticking together when cooking, use a large pot with plenty of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, ;). She must be a gem! thanks so much for updating the Penne Recipe to include a printable one. To look at the dish – it’s just penne pasta in tomato sauce. She is a treasure and the penne looks so delicious! Penne alla Vodka | Penne with Vodka Sauce - Recipes from Italy Add the tomatoes and vodka and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Place a large sauté pan over medium-low heat, … Sorry about that! Definitely adding this to the family menu. […] is my Zia Francesca‘s daughter, and the middle of three children. Just seen this dish again and now craving a bowl of this. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Bring to a boil. Once hot, add onion and cook for several minutes until translucent. Cream Sauce, Dinner, Entree, Gluten Free, Italian, Pasta, Pasta Sauce, Penne alla Vodka, Quick and Easy, Spaghetti Sauce, Tomato Sauce, Vegetarian, Vodka Sauce, Zia Francesca's Penne alla Vodka, […] is also a base for many other types of sauces, including penne alla vodka and pasta all’arrabbiata, which are just two […], Wow! Oh my – your Aunt Francesca sounds Fabulous (note the capital)! The penne alla vodka was good as well- a creamy tomato sauce rich in flavor, with a good bite to the pasta as well. You’d love Zia F, Jill! ): How to Keep Fresh Basil and Parsley in Your Kitchen Year Round, Bucatini alla Crema di Peperoni Rossi con Piselli (Bucatini with Red Pepper Cream Sauce and Peas), Mediterranean Chicken, Mushrooms and Rice, German Chocolate Cake (Triple Layer Recipe with Chocolate Ganache), Chorizo and Potato with Cheese (Chorizo con Patatas y Queso) – A Spanish Tapas Recipe. The dish then lost popularity here. For those of you who insist on changing the recipe and want to add sausage, you might try this one instead: Would I need to leave out the heavy cream if I can it? With jarred vodka sauce and cooked chicken, this cheesy chicken penne alla vodka comes together quickly for an easy weeknight meal. Good point, Jeanne! … I made this sauce last night to serve over lobster ravioli. It reminded me so much of my mum Carmelina, who would never allow any criticism of her beloved Italy or anything Italian, even though she hadn’t lived there for over 45 years! Home Recipes Cooking Style Comfort Food, Made this exactly as written! I know how your son feels, though! Give me until this evening and check back and I’ll have it up for you! Penne Alla Vodka is thick and hearty pasta dish with a delicious creamy vodka tomato sauce. We had been out sailing for 3 hours and I had to do something quick and easy. Add half the cheese and keep the sauce warm while the penne are cooking. 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.). Thanks for sharing your zia’s recipe! Let the onion and garlic sweat a few minutes, without coloring; then, in a hot spot, add the crushed red … There’s nothing like fresh pasta. Otherwise it’s 13 pages to print…..Thanks. […] it without properly cooking it first. Made Zia Francesca’s Penne alla Vodka last week for friends and they LOVED it. Absolutely, Kelly! That’s fabulous! It was fantastic! Its origins are quite murky, so some food historians claim it was invented in Bologna, Italy, while others say that it was invented in New York. Will let Zia F know you and your family loved the recipe! Excellent! Penne alla vodka, also called pasta alla Russa, is a delicious creamy vintage pasta with vodka recipe very much in vogue in Italy during the 1970s and 80s. :) Thanks so much! I love your Aunt, she reminds me of so many of my Italian relatives, I’m dying “you don’t eat meat, I’ll make you lamb” LOL! The key to making the best Pasta Alla Vodka is in the creamy vodka sauce. Your email address will not be published. Does she live in Little Italy on College St. or on St. Clair and Dufferin or either in Maple or Woodbridge? You’ll love the steak pie!! :-). Not safe because of the meat, unless you pressure can it. Good morning Christina, I have a question. Great post! Love pasta and everything about this sounds wonderful. And this pasta looks great – even better when it’s so quick and easy to make. Thanks for stopping by ;). […] Dessert, Christina is also half Italian, so she also shares recipes from her mother and family like Zia Francesca’s Penne alla Vodka and her blog posts come with great family stories and […], […] Dessert, Christina is also half Italian, so she also shares recipes from her mother and family like Zia Francesca’s Penne alla Vodka and her blog posts come with great family stories and […], […] tell any other Italians I said this, but I also like gnocchi with a quick pasta sauce, or even vodka sauce. I wanted to try a new recipe and since I love vodka sauce I thought I would try this. 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. Add a little cooking oil if desired (this also prevents boiling over). You definitely have to come to tea and or lunch or dinner when you next come to visit your Zia and of course bring her along too!! In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter in the olive oil. :(. When the garlic just begins to brown, add the chopped parsley, and turn the burner up to high. 2 oz (1/4 cup) good quality vodka. One silly question for all you cooks....when a recipe such as this calls for whole plum tomatoes diced up, can't I just use diced tomatoes? This recipe looks incredible – I’ve been looking for a good Vodka Sauce and surely your Zia can be trusted ;), Same here, Angela-lovely to meet you in person! Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes. I think it would also be great with sausage. :( I’m sure there’s one in that, too! She lives in Toronto, in a very Italian area, so, […]. How to Make Penne alla Vodka 1. You’re welcome! Meanwhile, make a puree out of the tomatoes by using the blender or food processor then, add it in. 1 lb good quality pasta (the brand of pasta is an example of good quality pasta) In a large … I agree! Hi Rachel, I’m sure you could as long as you processed the jars, and yes, I’d leave out the cream and just add it at the last minute before serving. I make it exactly as written. 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. I’m glad you enjoyed my post and my recipes! Twitter Facebook. All you need is a little time. You had me in stitches (sorry for the pun) on the part where she even got you to drink coffee! Cannot wait to try this. She is a beautiful person inside and out! Thanks for your lovely note, Ingrid! Allora, adesso devo provare la ricetta per penne alla vodka di sua zia Francesca! Coincidentally, I even found where I had hidden the vodka! (I might have gotten some of that wrong. Just what I (and Zia F) love to hear! Maybe you’ll meet one day! Just personal preference. I have to make this recipe after reading this post because this is looking like a tasty recipe. I often make the penne alla vodka vegetarian option and forgot about the pancetta in the canning process. I could go on and on with lots of stories relating to my family and gnocchi, like the time my […]. When she isn't in the kitchen, she loves to travel, near and far, as long as good food is involved. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes. Cook pasta according to package directions. The only changes that I made were pureeing the tomatoes and adding some extra heavy cream. So simple, but so good! When I saw her picture I recognized her right away! I’m still learning Italian :-)). Tortellini with Tomato Spinach Cream Sauce, 26 Pasta Recipes That Would Make an Italian Grandmother Proud, How To Get Rid of Mealybugs and Scale Insects on Plants, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents, 4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, cut into strips, 1 can (28 ounces) whole plum tomatoes, drained and chopped. I'd like to try this again when I have prosciutto, and next time I will only add about 12 oz of pasta. I am definitly ‘pinning’ this recipe for the future :), Oh, dear! Add prosciutto; cook 2 minutes longer. Add garlic; cook and stir 1 minute. Thank you for bringing back happy memories and for writing such an entertaining blog. Keep posting the delicious recipes! Penne alla vodka is a popular meal consisting of penne pasta, heavy cream, tomato sauce, and vodka, imparting a unique taste to the whole dish. Joyce Moynihan, Volunteer Field Editor. I showed them the recipe and pictures and the comment was “It looked just like the pictures!” In fact one got the recipe and cooked it for her family at the weekend. World famous Italian classic from the early 80's. LOVE this pasta dish! Something similar to how you did the Steak Pie with peas, mashed potatoes and gravy. OMG, I had no idea! Yes, your Mum and my Zia would have got on very well together, I’m sure! My younger son just loves penne alla vodka. Stir in tomatoes, vodka, salt and pepper flakes. Thanks for sharing this recipe. The origin of this popular dish is uncertain and controversial: Italy and the United States claim both its creation. Io non parla o scrivi per bene…sempre faccio i sbagli! (It was buried in the freezer!) Keep in touch! I just found your website and can’t wait to try this and the Steak Pie. Delicious, and very easy to make. Simple and delicious, a definite keeper. I actually just saw her in Italy as we were there at the same time about 2 weeks ago! […] to get back to our car to meet everyone for lunch, but on the way we just happened to run into my Zia Francesca and Zio Carmine from Canada who were with my cousin […], […] my Zia Francesca? Add prosciutto; cook 2 minutes longer. How to Make Penne alla Vodka: Prep the pasta: Cook the penne according to the instructions in the package. (Good Idea! Perfect quote, Susan! Let’s get this out of the way. According to some foodies, the original recipe called for pepper flavored vodka, but now hot pepper paste has taken its … Regardless of the origins, it remains a popular pasta dish that is served hot, often garnished with a few basil leaves and … Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. With its exotic flair, in the 1980s it quickly became a classic for singles who wanted to wow their dates during their first romantic dinner, also because it’s super simple to make and, most importantly, calls for ingredients you can usually find at home quite easily. I hope you are off your diet soon, because this is truly one of the best sauces you’ll ever have! :), Over the last 2 months I have been living a low carb high fat diet (LCHF), and I have not craved pasta once….until now! Make the Vodka Sauce: Add olive oil and butter to a large pot over medium low heat. I love spaghetti squash and it’s a great alternative for those trying to watch carb intake. Can I make this and can it? Learn how delicious, yet quick and easy it is to make in the authentic Italian way! Add the diced onion and crushed garlic. Required fields are marked *. This delicious creamy pasta recipe is a delightfully hearty meal that compares to any restaurant-style pasta from your local American-Italian restaurant. One of the things that frustrates me the most with … This authentic penne alla vodka recipe was submitted by Adriana Paolella. Well, when I was visiting her once, she pulled a bottle of pale yellow […], […] is my Zia Francesca’s daughter, and the middle of three children. My family is full of characters, what can I say? Stir in tomatoes, vodka, salt and red pepper flakes. ;), It was so nice to meet you at Camp Blogaway. Perfetto! They are much appreciated! no rating because you can't give me a smaller version, This easy and impressive pasta is always on the menu when my husband and I have new friends over for dinner. She always tells me she has family in California. If I have any dough left, I’ll try your fried bread too! :) Good luck! Help spread the word. Penne alla Vodka is a classic Italian pasta dish made with penne pasta in a creamy tomato and vodka sauce. Yes it is, Kelly, and yes you absolutely could. * Here is a recipe for fresh pea soup using pancetta, and a pasta recipe with […]. :). Luisa from Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada. I like my pasta a little more saucy, but that's just a personal preference! I had to substitute bacon for the proscuitto as that's all I had on hand. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. And for the great recipes! Stir in tomatoes, vodka, salt and pepper flakes. Wait until I tell her what you wrote, she’s gonna die laughing! Coffee and Walnut Cake, a Classic British Cake for Afternoon Tea, Butterfly Cupcakes (British Butterfly Cakes). We returned with his parents for our second trip, where we got the calamari, fettucine zafferano, penne caprese, and the cappriciosa pizza. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al … Now I understand what you were talking about with the Italese, Christina. haha! I shared her Penne alla Vodka recipe a few years ago. I made 1/4 of the recipe, which was just right for my husband and me. 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. Grazie! I had a good giggle reading your post about your Zia Francesca! Made this, added spicy sausage! To get a jump on it, make dough 2 to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator until you are ready to roll it out. We (my cousins, Denisa and Gianfranco, Zia Francesca and Zio Carmine) went in the morning and they were all set up for the evening’s celebration […], […] seemed to make Denisa feel much better! I am her hygienist! This recipe looks super easy and delicious! Thanks for letting us know! Just what is needed just now. :), “Life is a combination of magic and pasta.” ― Federico Fellini. Ma tu scrivi per bene! 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. I'll definitely be making this delicious dish again and again. I’m done buying jarred vodka sauce, because this recipe is crazy good and simple. Cook the penne or farfalle in 4 to 6 quarts of rapidly boiling salted water until al dente. One of the things I am still planning to make one day :), Don’t do what I did…make it sooner than later, Medeja! […] to make, healthy dishes that are packed with flavor~ Italian Style Green Beans Pasta and Beans Zia Francesca’s Penne alla Vodka Older PostChristina’s Quick and Easy Tortilla SoupNewer PostTomato, Ricotta and Basil […], […] Arancini di Riso: Sicilian Rice Balls Homemade Italian Style Chicken Soup with Stracciatella Zia Francesca’s Penne alla Vodka    A typical December day in Los Angeles Older PostFrittelle: Traditional Italian […], […] Mother’s Favorite PizzaZia Francesca’s Penne alla VodkaZia Maria’s Tuna, Egg and Tomato SaladLife in Los […], […] Other aunts’ recipes~ Aunt Elvira’s Strawberry and Meringue Dessert Aunt Virginia’s Homemade “Mounds” or “Bounty” Chocolates Zia Francesca’s Penne alla Vodka […], […] Manu of Manu’s Menu~Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Sauce  Silvia of Silvia’s Cucina~ Gnudi al Sugo  My Zia Francesca’s~ Penne alla Vodka […], […] are some other delicious pasta and sauce recipes~ Zia Francesca’s Penne alla Vodka Spaghetti alla Carbonara Authentic (Quick) Italian Tomato Sauce […], […] are some of my other favorite weeknight meals~ Christina’s Breaded Pork Schnitzel Zia Francesca’s Penne alla Vodka Spaghetti alla […], That’s a great story and Zia Francesca is lovely. ;) CC. There are quite a few of us in the city and outskirts! Add a sprinkling of parmesan cheese and you’ll have a restaurant quality … She lives in Toronto, in a very Italian area, […]. Thanks from Canada! He is coming on Thursday, and I think I’ll surprise him with this. We just had it for dinner and it’s the best Penne alla Vodka I’ve ever made or eaten. My family really enjoyed this pasta. We all need a Zia like that in our lives. Penne Alla Vodka is a classic dish tracing its roots to 1980’s Italy. This penne alla vodka is tender penne pasta tossed in a rich and delicious tomato, vodka and cream sauce. Btw, I can’t include the photo on the printable recipe, sorry! It's used to dress a slant cut of pasta called penne (which means pen). And of course anything made in Italy was absolutely the best, from food to shoes and clothing ( and I probably secretly agreed with her but would never admit it!). Add pasta and cheese to sauce; toss to combine. Heat the oil in a medium (11-inch) Dutch oven, such as Le Creuset, over medium-low heat. HI Christina, Thanks for your hard work, gorgeous pictures and easy step by step instructions! When the pasta is ready (make sure it is al dente), drain it in a colander, but reserve some pasta water. Zia will love to hear this!! Penne is the perfect pasta choice as the noodles really hold the sauce giving it just the right … I have tons of recipe to update with a printable recipe, so if you ever find one that doesn’t have it, you can just message me as you did now. Penne alla Vodka is one of the most iconic recipes of the 80s. I use my tomatoes to make and can plain sauce and then can process in water bath. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the garlic, oregano, and red … ; Make the sauce: Sauté the aromatics in butter.Add the red pepper flakes and other seasonings. Add garlic; cook and stir 1 minute. Drain pasta. Quick, easy and delicious!! I bought 2 bushels of tomatoes and will be making a ton of sauce for the year. Saute the garlic and onions in 2 tablespoons butter and the olive oil in a saucepan over medium … Thanks for sharing this recipe with us. Rhubarb Pie (or Strawberry Rhubarb Pie) A Recipe with Perfect Results! Made this for the family and it was a HIT. Penne alla Vodka: The original recipe. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a88b879f4b155e8a9a95ef65d7ac9c99" );document.getElementById("jd55e55d22").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); A Scottish Italian cook living in Los Angeles, Christina is usually cooking, baking or (cr)eating something scrumptious. :), You are absolutely, 100% correct, Angie! Love the recipe, Christina! Christina is on a mission to save authentic Italian dishes from extinction, and is constantly promoting Scottish (and British) food as some of the best cuisine the world has to offer—one steak pie and sticky toffee pudding at a time. She was an amazing cook, and her house was so spotless that we teased her about being able to eat off the floor! Fantastic! Pasta alla vodka is creamy and delicious. I sincerely hope so – can’t wait! After reading the preface to this pasta alla vecchia bettola recipe in The Barefoot Contessa’s Foolproof, I had to make it immediately.More than being a mainstay on the menu of one of Ina’s favorite restaurants for 20 years, what struck me about the recipe was the method, which calls for roasting the sauce in a covered pan for one-and-a-half hours. She loves this recipe because it’s especially great for entertaining, as you can make the sauce ahead of time and add pasta right before serving. A perfect (and may I say romantic) ending to a beautiful summer day! […] it shows how many people attend mass on this special day. This Italian guy had it right … just like your Zia! Penne alla Vodka Whether or not this dish of tube-shaped penne pasta lavished with a peppery, vodka-laced cream and tomato sauce was created in … Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Looks absolutely fantastic — and I can easily use shallots in place of the garlic. Besides the origin of Penne alla Vodka, if you never tasted this recipe, it’s time to give it a try. December 1, 2020. Add salt and continue to stir often, making sure it doesn't dry up. The process may seem intimidating, but it’s actually very easy to do!