Robo-Prep!

Penne alla Vodka!
Ingredients:
-1 lb penne pasta
-3 cloves garlic, minced
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-1/2 onion, diced
-1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
-1 tablespoon tomato paste
-1/2 cup vodka
-1/2 cup heavy cream
-1/4 cup basil, chopped
-Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
-1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:
1. Heat a skillet to a medium flame. Add the olive oil, and once it’s warm, stir in the onion, garlic and red pepper and sauté until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
2. Add the tomato paste and vodka. Let the vodka cook off, 3-4 minutes.
3. Turn down the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream. Stir until the cream is fully incorporated.
4. Season the sauce with salt, pepper and chopped basil. Simmer on low heat until the sauce thickens, 5-7 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, cook the penne in boiling, salted water.
6. Once the pasta is cooked al dente, reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking water and drain the pasta.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved cooking water.
8. Remove the pan from the heat and top with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition: Serving size 1/4 of recipe: Calories: 455 ,Total Fat: 17 g, Carbs: 39g, Protein: 14g, Sodium: 155mg,

Wine Pairing: The richness of the cream and the sweetness of the vodka would pair nicely with a glass of fruity Zinfandel or Chianti.

Descriptive Paragraph

History of Penne alla Vodka

Penne alla vodka is an Italian-American pasta dish typically consisting of penne pasta, tomato sauce, vodka, cream, garlic, onions, and bacon or pancetta. This dish is typically served in its iconic pink hue. Penne alla vodka originated in 1969 at a pizzeria in Long Island, New York. The original recipe contained a vodka cream sauce, a hint of tomato, and a light sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggianno cheese. As the dish became more popular, the recipe evolved over time. Today, the most popular version of the dish includes tomato sauce, vodka, cream, garlic, onions, pancetta, and sometimes prosciutto.

Where is Penne alla Vodka Popular?

Penne alla vodka is popular throughout the United States, but is especially well liked in Italian-American communities. It is a favorite for Italian American meals and for Sunday dinners. This is due in part to the dish’s ability to appeal to both Italian and American palates. It also is popular throughout Italy. It is usually served in Italian restaurants worldwide.

Ingredients that Can Be Substituted

Penne alla vodka is usually made with penne pasta, vodka, tomato sauce, cream, garlic, onions, and pancetta. However, many of the ingredients can be substituted for something that suits the cook’s taste. The vodka can be replaced with white wine, and the cream can be used in lesser amounts or substituted with half-and-half, sour cream, or even plain yogurt. Different types of cheeses, such as mozzarella, can be added for additional flavor. Vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, asparagus, or zucchini can be added as well.

Interesting Facts

Penne alla vodka has won over the taste buds of many Italian food enthusiasts due to its sweet and savory flavor profile and unique pink hue. This dish is rich, creamy, and spicy, making it an upbeat and flavorful addition to any meal. Additionally, the recipe is highly customizable, making it easy for cooks to make the dish their own.

One interesting fact about Penne alla Vodka is that it was invented in the United States. Many people assume that since this dish tastes like a classic Italian pasta dish, it must have originated in Italy. However, this dish actually originated in the United States in the late 1960s and has since become a staple in Italian restaurants around the world.

Conclusion

Penne alla Vodka is an Italian-American pasta dish consisting of penne pasta, tomato sauce, vodka, cream, garlic, onions, and bacon or pancetta. This dish is popular in the United States, Italy, and worldwide due to its sweet and savory flavor profile and unique pink hue. Most of the ingredients can be easily substituted or adjusted to create a customized version of the dish. This dish was actually invented in the United States in the late 1960s and has since become a staple in Italian restaurants around the world.

References

1. Penne Alla Vodka
2. Italian-American Cuisine