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Baked Penne with Vodka

A warm, comforting pasta dish enveloped in a creamy, tomato-based sauce that balances richness and tanginess, perfect for family dinners or quick weeknight meals.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 cup vodka Use high-quality vodka for the best taste.
  • 1 cup heavy cream This adds richness to the sauce.
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For topping.
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese For topping.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Be generous with salt when boiling pasta.
  • for garnish Fresh basil

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Boil a pot of water, and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Stir in the vodka and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off some alcohol.
  5. Add marinara sauce and heavy cream, mixing well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, thickening slightly.
  6. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked penne pasta with the vodka sauce, ensuring each piece is generously coated.
  7. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

Serve with a side salad or garlic bread. For added nutrition, mix in spinach or other vegetables.