Discover a surprising and delicious recipe for spicy vodka pasta (penne alla Vodka)! This unique combination of pasta and creamy sauce will delight your taste buds and transport you on a culinary journey full of refined flavors. Savor this exceptional dish with your loved ones and enjoy a memorable gastronomic experience!
Origin and tradition – The authentic Penne alla Vodka recipe
The pasta with vodka sauce, also known as “Penne alla Vodka”, has controversial origins, but is generally associated with Italian cuisine. It is said that this dish was originally created in the 1970s by Italians in the United States, especially in New York City, where it became popular in Italian restaurants in the Little Italy and East Village neighborhoods.
Although the exact origins are not clearly defined, the recipe quickly gained popularity and became an iconic dish, appreciated both in the United States, as well as in Italy and other parts of the world. This delicious dish stands out for its unique combination of penne pasta or other types of pasta, tomato sauce, cream, parmesan and, of course, vodka, which adds a subtle and distinctive aroma.
Although initially it was considered a more sophisticated and exclusive recipe, today vodka pasta has become a popular and accessible dish, present in the menus of many Italian restaurants and often prepared in home kitchens. It is appreciated for its rich and creamy taste, but also for its simplicity and versatility, making it suitable for special occasions or for everyday meals.
Gigi Hadid’s Pasta Recipe
The recipe for penne with vodka sauce has gained special notoriety among public figures as well, becoming known as “Gigi Hadid’s pasta”. The famous model and gastronomy enthusiast, Gigi Hadid, publicly shared her favorite recipe for pasta with vodka sauce, thus giving her even more visibility and popularity.
The presentation and appreciation of Gigi Hadid for this recipe brought this delicious food even more to the fore, drawing attention to the unique combination of flavors and the simplicity of preparation. Thus, Penne alla Vodka, has become even more widespread and appreciated among gastronomy lovers, being included in the menus of many restaurants and being prepared in home kitchens all over the world.
Variations and customizations
- Different types of pasta: Try the recipe with different types of pasta, such as tagliatelle, spaghetti, fusilli or rigatoni. Each type of pasta will bring a different texture and taste experience.
- Additions of vegetables: Enrich the vodka sauce with fresh or frozen vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes or zucchini. They will bring freshness and additional nutrients to the preparation.
- Vegan or lacto-vegetarian options: For a vegan version, replace the cream and Parmesan cheese with vegan alternatives, such as cashew cream and inactive yeast flakes. For a lacto-vegetarian version, you can use regular cream and authentic Parmesan cheese.
- Additional flavors: I experiment with other flavors such as garlic, green onion, fresh basil or red pepper to give extra flavor to the vodka sauce.
- Dietary adaptations: To satisfy various tastes and dietary needs, you can adapt the recipe to be healthier or to fit certain diets, such as gluten-free or low-carb.
Tips for the best spicy vodka pasta sauce
To get the best pasta sauce with vodka, here are some practical tips and kitchen tricks:
- Use fresh ingredients: To get the best taste, use fresh tomatoes and quality cream. Ripe and juicy tomatoes will bring a natural sweetness and an intense flavor to the sauce.
- Intensifies the aromas: Add freshly chopped garlic and onion to the vodka sauce to bring it depth and richness of aromas.
- Creates balance: Taste and adjust the amount of vodka and cream according to personal preferences. Vodka adds a subtle hint of alcohol and a distinctive aroma, while cream provides creaminess and softness.
- Thicken the sauce: Let the vodka sauce simmer on low heat for a few minutes to thicken and concentrate the flavors. This will help to obtain a creamier and richer consistency.
- Finish with Parmesan cheese: Add grated Parmesan cheese on top of the pasta just before serving to intensify the flavors and add a layer of salty flavor and umami.
Make sure the pasta is al dente: Cook the pasta al dente according to the instructions on the package and add it directly to the vodka sauce. This will allow the pasta to absorb the flavors and become tastier.
Spicy Vodka Pasta (Penne alla Vodka)
Ingredients
- 15 oz pasta rigatoni or penne
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic finely chopped
- ⅔ cup tomato paste
- 1 ⅓ cups liquid cream
- 3 teaspoons red chili pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water with a teaspoon of salt to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the instructions on the package. Remove a cup of water from the pasta and set it aside.
- Put a pan on medium heat, add the olive oil.
- Add the garlic and tomato paste and sauté for about 4-5 minutes.
- The tomato paste will darken in color. This process will remove the acidity from it.
- Add the liquid cream and mix until incorporated.
- Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring.
- Add chili flakes, dried basil, salt and black pepper. Mix again.
- Add the grated parmesan, butter and pasta water.
- Mix until the sauce is homogeneous and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta and mix to cover them with sauce.
- Garnish with parsley and chili flakes.
Nutrition
If you make this, please leave a review and rating if you liked this recipe! ★★★★★
Adela
Monday 11th of March 2024
Tried this last night and my hubby loved it!