CHEF JOHN'S PENNE WITH VODKA SAUCE

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Chef John's Penne with Vodka Sauce image

This is the incredibly easy and always popular vodka sauce. There are certain flavors in tomatoes that are only brought out if you introduce alcohol into the sauce.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Pasta Sauce Recipes     Creamy

Time 1h10m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 ounces pancetta bacon, diced
1 small sprig fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup vodka
½ cup heavy whipping cream
freshly ground black pepper to taste
3 cups prepared marinara sauce
¾ cup water
1 (14.5 ounce) package multigrain penne pasta (such as Barilla®)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook and stir bacon and rosemary sprig with olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat until bacon renders its fat but is not crisp, about 5 minutes. Pour vodka into the skillet, standing back to avoid any flare-ups. Raise heat to high and continue to cook until the vodka reduces to about 2 tablespoons.
  • Pour heavy cream into skillet, stir briefly, and add black pepper; bring sauce to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook and stir until sauce has slightly reduced, 3 to 4 minutes. Mix marinara sauce and water into cream mixture and bring to a simmer. Lower heat and simmer sauce 20 to 25 minutes to blend flavors.
  • Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Stir in penne and return to a boil. Cook pasta, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but still chewy, about 10 minutes; drain and return to pot. Pour sauce over penne and stir to combine. Turn off heat, cover pot with a lid, and let stand 5 minutes for pasta to absorb sauce. Serve sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 601.9 calories, Carbohydrate 68.4 g, Cholesterol 48.2 mg, Fat 25.1 g, Fiber 10.6 g, Protein 15.9 g, SaturatedFat 9.7 g, Sodium 790.9 mg, Sugar 11.1 g

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