How To Make Penne Alla Vodka

Ingredients

• 1 lb. penne pasta
• 4 tbsp. butter
• 1 chopped onion
• 2/3 c. vodka
• 3/4 c. tomato puree
• 1 c. heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 3/4 c. grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• A large pot
• A large bowl
• A deep 12-inch skillet
• 1/4 lb. cooked, chopped ham (optional)
• Hot sauce (optional)

Steps

1. Heat a large pot of water for the pasta. (40 sec. )
2. Reserve some of the pasta water to dilute your pasta sauce. (44 sec. )
3. While the water is heating, melt the butter in the skillet over low heat. Add onion and cook for five minutes, stirring occasionally. (48 sec. )
4. Slowly stir the vodka into the skillet. Bring the vodka to a simmer, and cook for four minutes. (56 sec. )
5. Add the tomato puree, heavy cream, salt, and pepper to the skillet, and continue simmering for an additional five minutes, until the onion is soft. (62 sec. )
6. Stir in chopped, cooked ham and two or three drops of hot sauce to add an extra kick to your sauce mixture. (71 sec. )
7. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain, and set it aside in a large bowl. (78 sec. )
8. Pour the sauce mixture from the skillet over the penne pasta. Sprinkle the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese over the top, toss everything together, and serve immediately. (85 sec. )
9. Did you know? Russian vodka production dates back to the ninth century, when it was used primarily as a medicine. It also served as a key ingredient in gunpowder for muskets. (95 sec. )