Holiday Penne with Vodka Sauce
published by CelebrEATySarah on Nov 7, 2010
I love the shape and size of penne pasta, they are not too small and not too large either. I make macaroni and cheese with it. I make macaroni salad with it. It is just my pasta of choice. And for a holiday potluck offering, make my holiday penne with Vodka Sauce. The pink sauce combined with green pepper chunks just scream "holidays are here again!". And with vodka, oh yes, bring it on.
Holiday Penne with Vodka Sauce
1 pound dried penne pasta, cooked al dente, drained well
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, seeded and cut into chunks
1 cup holiday ham, chopped
½ cup vodka
1/4 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
3/4 cup to 1 cup whipping cream
salt and pepper to taste
3/4 cup to 1 cup freshly grated queso de bola (or parmesan cheese)
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet. Saute garlic and onions until soft and translucent. Add ham, vodka and red pepper flakes and simmer for 2 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste and diced tomatoes. Reduce the heat to low and stir in cream, stirring well and heat thoroughly. Adjust seasonings.
Add in cooked penne pasta and grated queso de bola, tossing well. Blend in 1 tablespoon butter. Transfer to serving dish. Garnish with parsley and serve warm with crusty bread.
