Smoky Vodka Penne (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
1/2 pound of penne (or any small pasta).
02 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter.
03 -
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.
04 -
1/2 shallot, minced finely.
05 -
4 cloves garlic, chopped.
06 -
6 ounces tomato paste.
07 -
1/2 teaspoon salt.
08 -
1/4 cup vodka.
09 -
3/4 cup heavy cream.
10 -
1/2 cup smoked mozzarella, shredded.
11 -
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley.
12 -
Reserved pasta water, if needed.
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a big pot of water to a boil.
02 -
Melt the butter with olive oil over low heat in a large skillet. Toss in the chopped shallot and cook gently for about 4-5 minutes, stirring now and then, until it's tender and clear. Stir in the garlic and cook it another 1-2 minutes.
03 -
Mix in the tomato paste and sprinkle in the salt. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes on medium-low heat until the tomato paste darkens in color.
04 -
Pour in the vodka to deglaze the pan. Stir it for 1-2 minutes until you don't see any liquid vodka left.
05 -
Take the skillet off the heat and blend in the heavy cream. Taste it and add more salt if it needs it.
06 -
Once the water in the pot is boiling, salt it well and cook the pasta until it's firm but cooked through. Save 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
07 -
Drain the pasta and toss it into the skillet with the vodka sauce. Add 1/4 cup of pasta water and stir everything over medium heat until the pasta is coated.
08 -
Stir in the shredded smoked mozzarella. Use the reserved pasta water, adding it a bit at a time, to make the sauce just the way you like.
09 -
Serve it hot and top it off with some fresh parsley.
# Notes:
01 -
This creamy dish is full of flavor and perfect for a quick meal.
02 -
Adjust the sauce's texture with the reserved pasta water to suit your taste.