Penne Alla Vodka

Ingredients and Weight:

• Penne pasta - 500 grams
• Vodka - 1 cup
• Cream - 1 cup
• Red pepper flakes - 1 teaspoon
• Garlic - 3 cloves, crushed
• Cherry tomatoes - 2 cups, halved
• Fresh basil - handful, chopped
• Salt and pepper - to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons

Preparation Time: 45 minutes (includes pasta cooking time)

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Add salt and cook the penne until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil and add the crushed garlic. Sauté for a minute.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and cook until the tomatoes are soft and juicy.
4. Pour in the vodka and let it reduce by half. This step will give the dish its signature creamy and rich flavor.
5. Add the cream and stir until well combined. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.
6. Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. Make sure the pasta is fully coated with the vodka sauce.
7. Lastly, add the chopped fresh basil and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information:

(Based on the given ingredients)

• Calories: Approx. 450 per serving (based on the amount of pasta and sauce)
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Protein: 10g

Dish Characteristics:

• Creamy and rich vodka sauce
• Slightly spicy with the addition of red pepper flakes
• Beautifully coated penne pasta
• Great for people who love creamy pasta dishes with a strong vodka flavor.

User Comments:

1. "This dish was amazing! The vodka sauce was so creamy and rich, loved how it coated the penne." - John Doe, New York
2. "The red pepper flakes gave it a nice kick. I would definitely make this again." - Jane Smith, Los Angeles
3. "Great dish for a special occasion. The vodka flavor was very prominent but not overpowering." - Michael Johnson, Chicago

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use a good quality vodka for the best flavor. Avoid flavored vodkas as they may alter the flavor of the dish.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preference for spice level.
• Make sure to cook the penne pasta until tender but not overcooked to maintain its texture and shape.