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Shrimp Penne alla Vodka

Shrimp Penne alla Vodka
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Shrimp Penne alla Vodka is a creamy, tangy pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp tossed in a rich tomato-vodka sauce, perfectly coating al dente penne. Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful and elegant meal is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz penne pasta (regular or gluten-free)

Seafood

  • 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup vodka
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half/coconut milk for lighter version)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
  • Optional: grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the penne pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later use in the sauce.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the shrimp: Season the fresh shrimp with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
  4. Prepare the vodka sauce: Pour the vodka into the skillet and let it cook down and reduce for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes, then allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5 minutes to deepen the flavors.
  5. Finish the sauce with cream: Slowly stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a low simmer, making sure it becomes smooth and rich. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Combine everything: Return the cooked shrimp to the sauce, then add the drained penne pasta. Toss gently until the pasta is fully coated with the luscious sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs thinning.
  7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the dish before serving. Optionally, add grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
  • Use a quality neutral vodka to maintain balanced flavors.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to prevent cream curdling and ensure silkiness.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to pasta.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end for vibrant aroma and color, not during cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp penne alla vodka, creamy vodka sauce, quick shrimp pasta, easy weeknight dinner, Italian pasta recipe, gluten-free pasta recipe

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/shrimp-penne-alla-vodka/