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Creamy Penne alla Vodka with Crispy Prosciutto

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A quick and easy creamy penne alla vodka pasta with a velvety tomato cream sauce and crispy prosciutto for a salty crunch. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 4 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ cup vodka
  • 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • A handful fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 oz prosciutto slices in a single layer. Cook until crispy and golden, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Leave rendered fat in pan.
  3. Lower heat to medium-low. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and ½ tsp red pepper flakes to skillet. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Carefully pour in ¼ cup vodka. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced by about half.
  5. Pour in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes. Stir and simmer for 10 minutes to thicken sauce and meld flavors.
  6. Lower heat and add ½ cup heavy cream. Mix gently until sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Add drained penne to skillet. Toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if sauce needs loosening.
  8. Stir in ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and silky. Scatter crispy prosciutto over top and fold in gently.
  9. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil leaves before serving. Serve immediately.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Simmer vodka carefully to reduce alcohol harshness. Crisp prosciutto properly to avoid bitterness. Use fresh Parmesan for best flavor. Avoid boiling cream to prevent curdling. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Gluten-free penne can be used as a substitute.

Nutrition

Keywords: penne alla vodka, creamy pasta, prosciutto pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, vodka sauce, Italian pasta

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/creamy-penne-alla-vodka-with-crispy-prosciutto-easy-homemade-recipe/