Description
A quick and creamy Shrimp Penne alla Vodka recipe that combines tender shrimp, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a luscious vodka tomato cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting dish mixes sweet seafood flavor with a silky, slightly spicy sauce for a restaurant-quality meal ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Pasta
- 12 oz fresh or thawed peeled and deveined shrimp
- 12 oz penne pasta
Sauce and Flavorings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- 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 and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency later.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, cooking until shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside to avoid overcooking.
- Build the Vodka Sauce: Deglaze the skillet with vodka, allowing it to simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the tomato sauce and red pepper flakes, cooking for 5 minutes over medium heat to meld flavors.
- Add Cream and Combine: Gently stir in heavy cream and continue heating until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat them in the sauce.
- Toss Pasta and Serve: Add the cooked penne to the skillet, mixing everything well. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached. Finish by sprinkling with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not skip the vodka; it enhances the sauce’s depth without leaving an alcohol taste.
- Adjust sauce thickness using reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy but saucy finish.
- Cook shrimp separately to avoid overcooking; add them back at the end to maintain tenderness.
- Fresh herbs brighten the dish and add a vibrant color contrast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
Keywords: shrimp pasta, penne alla vodka, creamy shrimp pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, Italian pasta, vodka sauce, seafood pasta