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Instant Pot Penne Alla Vodka

Penne Alla Vodka

Jyoti Behrani
Penne Alla Vodka is a classic Italian pasta dish made with vodka and penne pasta, simmered in a creamy, tomato-based sauce. This luscious, flavorful, restaurant-style pasta is a breeze to make at home using an Instant Pot! 
5 from 5 votes
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Dish/Entrees
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

INGREDIENTS FOR PENNE ALLA VODKA

  • 1 lb tubular pasta(penne or rigatoni)
  • 28 oz tomatoes, crushed or sauce
  • 1 medium white onion, diced
  • 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoon oregano or Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes, adjust to taste
  • ½ cup vodka
  • ½– ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups water or broth
  • ½ cup Parmigiana-Reggiano, grated
  • Piece of Parmigiana-Reggiano rind [around 1-2 inch], optional
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • salt and pepper, adjust to taste
  • Handful of fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

INSTANT POT PENNE ALLA VODKA

  • You will need an INSTANT POT
    Turn ON SAUTE (more). When it displays “HOT”, add oil.
  • Add onions, garlic, oregano, and red chili flakes. Saute for 1-2 minutes.
  • Add Vodka, and deglaze the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Turn OFF SAUTE.
  • Add pasta, salt and pepper to taste, water (or broth), and tomatoes. Do NOT stir.
    Note: Add the above ingredients in order, and do NOT stir.
  • Close the lid, vent sealed. Turn ON MANUAL / PRESSURE COOK (high) for 5 minutes.
    Note: Please see the recipe notes on – HOW TO COOK PASTA IN INSTANT POT
  • Once the Instant Pot beeps, do a quick pressure release. Open the lid.
  • Add cream, and Parmesan cheese, and mix well until cheese melts.
    Note: No need to turn ON SAUTE, the cheese will melt in the residual heat.
  • Garnish with some fresh basil leaves, grated cheese, and red chili flakes (optional).
  • Enjoy this delicious Penne Alla Vodka. Bon-appetit!!

STOVETOP PENNE ALLA VODKA

  • Cook pasta as per package directions. Reserve 1 cup of cooking pasta water for later use. Drain the pasta and keep it aside.
  • In a Dutch oven, or a pot, heat oil, over medium-high heat.
  • Add onions, garlic, oregano, and red chili flakes. Saute for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add Vodka, and deglaze the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add tomatoes, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for 20-25 minutes.
  • Add drained pasta, and mix well to coat the sauce. Turn OFF the heat.
  • Add cream, and Parmesan cheese, and mix well until cheese melts.
  • Garnish with some fresh basil leaves, grated cheese, and red chili flakes (optional).
  • Enjoy this delicious Penne Alla Vodka. Bon-appetit!!

Notes

  1. HOW TO COOK PASTA IN INSTANT POT- just add enough liquid (water or broth, and crushed tomatoes) to cover the pasta. Reduce the cooking time to “HALF” what is recommended on the box of the pasta, followed by a quick pressure release.
  2. For aldente pasta, I reduce the cooking time to “HALF MINUS ONE”.
  3. For vegan, alcohol-free, Penne Alla refer to - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
  4. Please refer to the post for the following:
    • PRO TIPS FOR DELICIOUS PENNE ALLA VODKA
    • VARIATIONS TO PENNE ALLA VODKA
    • FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.

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