This is a print preview of "Bill's Penne alla Vodka" recipe.

Bill's Penne alla Vodka Recipe
by Angie Morris

Bill's Penne alla Vodka

“This recipe is tailor-made for my husband Bill, done the way he likes Vodka sauce - lots of bacon, lots of Vodka, and very creamy. He is the Vodka sauce expert and he has a favorite restaurant where he always orders it. But he says my recipe is just like it! I take that as a huge compliment! You can just barely taste the Vodka in it, it is not strong. I know you can’t find this dish in Italy anymore, but it is truly a mainstay at Italian American restaurants. Lucky us! Enjoy!”

Rating: 5/5
Avg. 5/5 1 vote
Prep time: Italy Italian
Cook time: Servings: 6

Wine and Drink Pairings: favorite red wine

Ingredients

  • 6 slices of bacon
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1 (28 ounce) can tomato puree
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup Vodka
  • 1-1/2 pounds penne pasta
  • ½ cup pasta water

Directions

  1. In a large saucepot, cook the bacon over medium heat until almost done.
  2. Using a kitchen scissors,cut the bacon into small bits.
  3. Add the butter and garlic, sauté for a few minutes to soften the garlic.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste, mixing it in for a few minutes.
  5. Add the tomato puree, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and brown sugar, mixing well.
  6. Add the heavy cream, stirring for a few minutes.
  7. Add the Vodka and simmer for about 5 minutes on low heat.
  8. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in boiling salted water until done.
  9. Drain, but reserve ½ cup of the pasta water and stir that into the sauce.
  10. Toss the pasta with the Vodka sauce.
  11. Serve with grated Romano cheese.