PENNE ALLA VODKA (BEST VODKA SAUCE!) - COOKING CLASSY

Penne alla Vodka (Best Vodka Sauce!) - Cooking Classy image

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 (28 oz) can San Marzano tomatoes, (crushed finely with hands*)
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup minced yellow onion
3 oz. prosciutto, (diced (optional))
1 Tbsp minced garlic ((3 cloves))
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup vodka
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, (more or less to taste)
2/3 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese, (plus more for serving)
1 Tbsp chopped fresh oregano
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
14 oz. penne pasta, (plus reserved pasta water for thinning sauce as needed)

Steps:

Bring a pot of water to a boil to cook pasta. Season water with salt.
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and prosciutto saute 4 - 5 minutes, add garlic and red pepper flakes and saute 1 minute longer.
Remove pan from heat and add tomatoes, vodka, season with salt and pepper to taste. Return to medium-high heat, bring to a simmer then reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer until strong alcohol scent has cooked off, about 15 minutes**, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain pasta.
Stir cream into sauce and let just heat through, about 1 minute. Stir in parmesan, basil and oregano.
Add drained pasta to pot with sauce, toss to coat, while thinning sauce with a little pasta water as needed. Serve warm with more parmesan and garnish with more basil if desired.