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A classic Italian-American comfort food featuring penne pasta in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, elevated with a splash of vodka and savory prosciutto. This decadent dish comes together in under 40 minutes for a perfect weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Cook the Pasta
Crisp Prosciutto & Sauté Aromatics
Build the Vodka Sauce
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A classic Italian-American comfort food featuring penne pasta in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, elevated with a splash of vodka and savory prosciutto. This decadent dish comes together in under 40 minutes for a perfect weeknight dinner or special occasion.
This italian_american recipe takes 35 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 686.23 calories per serving with 24.74g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for dinner or lunch.
Finish and Serve
Omit the prosciutto entirely. To add a savory, umami flavor, sauté 8 oz of sliced cremini mushrooms after the onions until browned.
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon, or add a finely chopped Calabrian chili along with the garlic for a more complex heat.
Instead of prosciutto, add cooked Italian sausage (casings removed) or grilled chicken strips to the finished sauce.
Add 1 cup of frozen peas to the pasta during the last 2 minutes of boiling, or sauté a cup of chopped spinach or zucchini with the onions.
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases and protecting the skin from sun damage.
The prosciutto and Parmesan cheese provide a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle maintenance, and overall body function.
Garlic and onions contain allicin and other sulfur compounds, which have been studied for their potential to support the immune system and promote cardiovascular health.
A typical serving of this dish contains approximately 650-700 calories, primarily from the pasta, heavy cream, prosciutto, and cheese. The exact number can vary based on specific ingredients used.
This dish is considered a rich and indulgent comfort food rather than a health food. It is high in refined carbohydrates, saturated fat, and sodium. It's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Yes, you can. The vodka adds a specific sharp, peppery flavor and helps to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes and richness of the cream. If you omit it, you can deglaze the pan with 1/4 cup of chicken or vegetable broth with a small squeeze of lemon juice to mimic the acidity.
You can prepare the sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce on the stovetop, cook the pasta fresh, and combine them as directed in the final step.
High-quality canned crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano, are ideal for this sauce. They provide a balanced sweetness and acidity that forms the perfect base for the cream and vodka.