Penne alla Vodka

Now you can have outrageously delicious restaurant quality Penne all Vodka for a fraction of the price made right at home in just minutes!

Here we are going to use a shortcut and doctor up a jar of marinara sauce that you probably have right now in your pantry with some basic ingredients to turn that ho-hum jar of marinara into a delicious and creamy pink vodka sauce.

Ingredients:

1 quart jar marinara sauce (or make your own with your favorite recipe)

1 lb. bag penne pasta (cooked according to package directions and drained)

1/2 tsp hot pepper flakes

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup cooking vodka (“cooking” vodka = cheap vodka)

1/2 cup cubed fresh mozzarella (may substitute 1/2 cup freshly grated cheese)

freshly ground black pepper to taste

First cook the pasta according to package directions, drain, a set aside in a bowl.  Pro tip: toss a little butter in the hot, cooked pasta for extra flavor and to keep it from getting sticky.

For the sauce, in a large skillet pour in marinara sauce and heat on medium high until you see some gentle bubbles.  Stir in hot pepper flakes and let simmer about 4-5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.  Next, stir in the heavy cream.  Stir constantly for about 1 minute.  Add vodka, lower heat to a “low” setting, and heat for another 2-3 minutes to allow for the alcohol in the vodka to cook out.

Add cooked penne pasta to the pink vodka sauce right in the skillet and toss.  Top with cubes of fresh mozzarella (or substitute a good quality shaved or grated cheese in its place if you prefer)

This dish serves 2 as an entree or 4 as a side

Variation:  Serve Penne alla Vodka topped with grilled chicken or grilled shrimp