Chef John's Penne with Vodka Sauce
Recipe information
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Cooking:
15 min.
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Servings per container:
6
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Source:

Ingredients for - Chef John's Penne with Vodka Sauce

1. Pancetta bacon, diced - 4 ounces
2. Small sprig fresh rosemary - 1
3. Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
4. Vodka - ½ cup
5. Heavy whipping cream - ½ cup
6. Freshly ground black pepper to taste - ½ cup
7. Prepared marinara sauce - 3 cups
8. Water - ¾ cup
9. Multigrain penne pasta (such as Barilla®) - 1 (14.5 ounce) package
10. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese - ½ cup

How to cook deliciously - Chef John's Penne with Vodka Sauce

1. Stage

Cook and stir pancetta and rosemary sprig with olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat until pancetta renders its fat but is not crisp, about 5 minutes. Pour vodka into the skillet, standing back to avoid any flare-ups. Raise heat to high and continue to cook until vodka reduces to about 2 tablespoons.

2. Stage

Pour heavy cream into skillet, stir briefly, and add black pepper; bring sauce to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook and stir until sauce has slightly reduced, 3 to 4 minutes. Mix marinara sauce and water into cream mixture and bring to a simmer. Lower heat and simmer sauce 20 to 25 minutes to blend flavors.

3. Stage

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Stir in penne and return to a boil. Cook pasta, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but still chewy, about 10 minutes; drain and return to the pot. Pour sauce over penne and stir to combine. Turn off heat, cover the pot with a lid, and let stand for 5 minutes to allow pasta to absorb sauce. Serve sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.