Penne alla Vodka

Have you got a little bit of vodka left in the bottom of a bottle somewhere? In the back of THAT cupboard? Have you been waiting for the next visitor who asks for a Vodka Soda Lime just so you don’t waste it?

Well, you don’t have to! You can use it in this delicious pasta recipe, this is a classic Italian dish which is very simple. It is our go-to quick recipe when we have had a long day at work and just want something wholesome and full of flavour.

Our Malt Barley Vodka is actually a fantastic accompaniment to this particular recipe. The texture of the vodka works brilliantly with the cream added just after, really bringing the vodka to life and creating a super silky, velvety sauce. 

Top tip: Add salt in every time you add a new ingredient! When we first made this recipe, we collectively felt as a family that more salt was needed. So, we experimented with a little bit of stock but that overpowered it, and took away from the creaminess - instead adding dashes of salt did the trick!

Ingredients                                                     Serves 4                            Time: 30mins Total

A large handful per person of Penne Pasta

Olive Oil

Butter

1 Onion (white if you want a milder flavour, red if you want a more tangy flavour)

1 Garlic Clove

4 tbsp Malt Barley Vodka

4 tbsp Tomato Paste

250mls Heavy Cream

Basil

Parmesan Cheese

Instructions

1. Begin to boil your penne pasta adding salt to the water for flavour. 
2. Heat the pan while you finely chop the onion and garlic. When the penne pasta has about 7 minutes left, move on to the next step. 
3. Melt the butter in the pan and when hot, add the onions. Cook until slightly brown and softened.
4. Add the chopped/minced garlic. Cook for a further 2 minutes. 
5. Add the vodka and simmer until fully incorporated with the onions and garlic.
6. Reduce heat slightly and add the tomato paste and stir to combine. 
7. Add your cream to taste, we usually like it quite creamy so use it all.
8. When the pasta is ready to eat, drain and keep a lone tbsp of the water. Add this to your sauce for more flavour. 
9. Add the pasta to your sauce and stir through. Prepare your bowls or plates. 
10. Finish with a few leaves of fresh basil for garnish and grated parmesan cheese.