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READY IN 25 mins

Penne and Vodka Sauce

Read Reviews (356)

"One of the best and easiest recipes I have tried. You can find pancetta at any good Italian deli, try not to substitute as it makes the dish. This is also very good with shrimp added in the last few minutes of simmering. If you like spice, add a dash or 2 of red pepper flakes." — Rick Naylor

Ingredients Edit and Save

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Original recipe makes 4 servings Change Servings

1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 pound thinly sliced pancetta bacon, chopped
1/3 cup vodka

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Directions

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
Meanwhile, melt butter or margarine in a large skillet over medium heat. Add pancetta, and saute until lightly browned. Add vodka and stir until it is reduced by half, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in tomato sauce and cream. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir every few minutes.
Stir in pasta, and heat through. Serve with Parmesan cheese.

Kitchen-Friendly View

PREP 10 mins
COOK 15 mins
READY IN 25 mins

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Reviews More Reviews

Most Helpful Positive Review

Dec 15, 2003

I wanted to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor in this recipe, so I substituted fat-free half and half for the heavy cream - no discernable difference in taste and greatly reduced the fat!! Also added a generous amount of freshly gorund black pepper. It was a huge hit!

—APALLEY

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Most Helpful Critical Review

Nov 16, 2006

Wow...I don't know where I went wrong with this recipe. I used all top-notch ingredients...imported pancetta, top-shelf vodka, high quality tomato sauce, real Parmigiano-Reggiano...it just wasn't that good. In fact, without the good cheese, it tasted a lot like Chef Boyardee. I won't bother making it again.

—nmwunduke

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463 Ratings

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Jan 11, 2008

We love this one so much that I made it the night I asked her to marry me! We use fat free half and half also, and don't miss anything. I've tried it with regular bacon in a pinch, and it's definitely worth a trip to the specialty store (or aisle) for the pancetta. The pancetta just gives a great salty bite to the sauce. I serve with fresh bread and a simple salad.

—thomasby

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Jan 05, 2004

Made this for our best friend's wedding anniversary celebration and it was beyond fabulous. They, along with my family, are asking for this dish constantly, even the picky kids liked it. Had a little trouble finding the pancetta but was successful in the end. Also used Gray Goose vokda. Superb! Easy! You can't get any better than this. I also served with it a warm goat cheese salad, fresh French bread and chocolate Grand Marnier creme brulee.

—JDVMD

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Feb 13, 2004

I have tried other vodka sauces and always come back to this one. I add one small onion chopped,some garlic and sprinkle chives on the top. We love it!

—SAMMYAZ

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Sep 04, 2006

This is a wonderful recipe! It was one of the most delicous vodka sauces I have ever tasted and it was so easy to make! I added two cloves of garlic (minced) in with the pancetta and sprinkled some onion powder and a dash of red pepper flakes. I would defintely NOT omit the pancetta as that added such a delicious flavor. This is a keeper I can't wait to make this again. My boyfriend absolutely loved it as well!

—LB9977

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Nov 01, 2006

I just made this tonight. I didn't feel like having penne so I made blackened chicken with mushrooms covered in this sauce. Heaven on a plate.

—cheepchick

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May 16, 2006

This easy & tastes so good. I am giving my version a four as I did not have pancetta - used regular bacon and diced onion & garlic, near the end a pinch of herbs. I also served with chicken & basil tortelleni as that is what I had on hand, plenty of flavour. Looking forward to finding some Pancetta in NZ & trying it the original way.

—Cathietay

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Nutrition

Calories
795 kcal
40%

Carbohydrates
87.9 g
28%

Cholesterol
84 mg
28%

Fat
35.2 g
54%

Fiber
5.1 g
20%

Protein
23.9 g
48%

Sodium
929 mg
37%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Penne and Vodka Sauce

Serving Size: 1/4 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 795
Calories from Fat: 316

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 35.2g 54 %
Saturated Fat 17.1g 85 %
Cholesterol 84mg 28 %
Sodium 929mg 37 %
Potassium 609mg 17 %
Total Carbohydrates 87.9g 28 %
Dietary Fiber 5.1g 20 %
Protein 23.9g 48 %
** Sugars 7.5g
Vitamin A 20 %
Vitamin C 11 %
Calcium 21 %
Iron 44 %
** Thiamin 18 %
Niacin 79 %
Vitamin B6 19 %
Magnesium 27 %
Folate 8 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.