Chef John's Penne With Vodka Sauce

Serves: 6

Gideon Batz

1 January 1970

Based on User reviews:

46

Spice

49

Sweetness

56

Sourness

39

mins

Prep time (avg)

4.8

Difficulty

Ingredients:

1 tbsp

Olive Oil

1 cup

Vodka

3 cup

Water

Directions:

1

Cook and stir bacon and rosemary sprig with olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat until bacon renders its fat but is not crisp, about 5 minutes

2

Pour vodka into the skillet, standing back to avoid any flare-ups

3

Raise heat to high and continue to cook until the vodka reduces to about 2 tablespoons

4

Pour heavy cream into skillet, stir briefly, and add black pepper; bring sauce to a boil

5

Reduce heat to medium; cook and stir until sauce has slightly reduced, 3 to 4 minutes

6

Mix marinara sauce and water into cream mixture and bring to a simmer

7

Lower heat and simmer sauce 20 to 25 minutes to blend flavors

8

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil

9

Stir in penne and return to a boil

10

Cook pasta, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but still chewy, about 10 minutes; drain and return to pot

11

Pour sauce over penne and stir to combine

12

Turn off heat, cover pot with a lid, and let stand 5 minutes for pasta to absorb sauce

13

Serve sprinkled with Parmesan cheese