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- Penne pasta
- Vodka sauce recipe
- Chef John's penne with vodka sauce
- San Marzano tomatoes for authentic flavor
- Minced garlic and chopped onion
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Heavy cream for richness
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil as the base
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## Chef John's Penne with Vodka Sauce Recipe
### Introduction to Chef John’s Penne with Vodka Sauce
Chef John’s penne with vodka sauce is a classic Italian-American dish that combines the rich flavors of tomatoes, garlic, and vodka in a creamy base. This recipe serves 4-6 people and takes about 30 minutes to prepare.
#### Ingredients:
- **12 oz (340g) pasta** - Chef John prefers Penne Rigate
- **2 tablespoons olive oil**
- **8 cloves garlic**, minced
- **2 cups (591ml) vodka**
- **1 can (28oz/794g) crushed tomatoes** or 2 cans of San Marzano tomatoes, chopped
- **1 teaspoon salt**
- **½ teaspoon black pepper**
- **¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes** (optional)
- **1 cup (150g) grated Parmesan cheese**, divided
- **Fresh parsley**, chopped (for garnish)
#### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. **Prep the Ingredients:**
- Peel and mince 8 cloves of garlic.
- Measure out 2 cups of vodka, 1 can of crushed tomatoes, and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese.
2. **Cook the Garlic:**
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until shimmering (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 2-3 more minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Use caution as garlic can burn quickly.
3. **Add Vodka:**
- Carefully pour in the vodka, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Let it simmer until the alcohol evaporates, which usually takes around 5-7 minutes.
4. **Stir in Tomatoes and Seasonings:**
- Add crushed tomatoes or chopped San Marzano tomatoes to the sauce, along with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Simmer for about 20-30 more minutes on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
5. **Cook Pasta Al Dente:**
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add salt to the boiling water and cook penne according to package instructions until al dente (about 10-12 minutes).
- Drain the pasta but reserve about 1 cup of pasta water.
6. **Combine Pasta and Sauce:**
- Return drained pasta to the pot or a large serving bowl.
- Pour the vodka sauce over the pasta and toss well to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
7. **Finish with Cheese:**
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the pasta.
- Toss again until the cheese is melted and everything is coated.
8. **Serve and Enjoy:**
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Serves best when hot, so serve immediately after combining all ingredients.
#### Tips for Perfect Chef John’s Penne:
- Always taste your sauce as you go to adjust seasonings.
- For a smoother sauce, blend half of the cooked pasta and add it back into the saucepan towards the end of cooking.
- Adjust cooking times based on how well your garlic has browned during step 2.
By following these steps, you can recreate Chef John’s penne with vodka sauce at home. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy texture that make this dish a favorite among pasta lovers!