Get ready to dive into a delectable culinary experience with this Shrimp Penne alla Vodka! This dish combines tender shrimp, creamy tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked penne, offering a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to Italy. A delightful meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious to eat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The vodka and tomatoes meld into a sauce that’s deeply savory and addictively tangy, balanced perfectly by the cream.
- Quick and Easy: In just 40 minutes, you can have an elegant meal that looks and tastes restaurant-quality without stepping out of your home.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting dinner or cooking for family, this Shrimp Penne alla Vodka is guaranteed to impress with its rich flavors and beautiful presentation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating Shrimp Penne alla Vodka requires simple yet essential ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the juicy shrimp to the creamy vodka-infused sauce, every component is critical for building layers of delicious flavors.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a rich, fruity base to sauté the shrimp and vegetables.
- Shrimp: A sweet, succulent seafood addition that’s the star of the show.
- Garlic and Onion: These aromatics provide the foundational flavors, offering depth and richness.
- Vodka: The alcohol enhances the sauce’s flavors, creating a distinct and sophisticated taste.
- Canned Crushed Tomatoes: Provides a robust, tangy base, changing to a luscious orange once simmered.
- Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious texture to the sauce, blending seamlessly with the tomatoes.
- Penne Pasta: The perfect vehicle for this sauce, penne captures every drop of flavor in its crevices.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to make this Shrimp Penne alla Vodka your own. It’s versatile enough to accommodate various tweaks, so feel free to adjust based on your preferences or dietary needs.
- Swap the Protein: Substitute the shrimp with chicken or sautéed mushrooms for a delightful twist.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick of heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.
How to Make Shrimp Penne alla Vodka
Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp
In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil and add the shrimp, seasoning with a pinch of salt. Cook them for about a minute on each side over medium heat until they turn pink, then remove them to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Build Flavor Base
Add finely chopped onion to the same pan and let it cook on low for 7-10 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Introduce fresh herbs and minced garlic, stirring for another minute to unlock their aromas.
Step 3: Deglaze with Vodka
Add vodka to the pan, stirring with a wooden spoon and scraping any browned bits from the bottom. This step is crucial for integrating rich flavors into the sauce.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Introduce canned crushed tomatoes, adding a touch of salt. Bring to a boil before reducing the heat and simmering for 15 minutes. The sauce is ready when it turns from a vibrant red to orange.
Step 5: Complete the Dish
Stir in the cream, then return the shrimp and any collected juices to the pan. Add cooked penne pasta, toss everything gently to combine, and season with salt if needed for a perfect Shrimp Penne alla Vodka.
Pro Tips for Making Shrimp Penne alla Vodka
- Shrimp Timing: Avoid overcooking the shrimp; they should be just barely pink to keep them tender and juicy.
- Herb Balance: Don’t shy away from fresh herbs; they add a burst of freshness that complements the rich sauce.
- Cream Consistency: Stir in the cream only after the sauce has simmered to ensure maximum richness and velvety texture.
- Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta al dente to soak up just the right amount of sauce without becoming mushy.
How to Serve Shrimp Penne alla Vodka
Garnishes
Top your Shrimp Penne alla Vodka with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of chopped basil, and a dash of cracked black pepper to enhance the dish with vibrant colors and an aromatic finish.
Side Dishes
Pair this delightful pasta with a crisp green salad and a loaf of warm garlic bread. The fresh salad balances the richness, and the garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Shrimp Penne alla Vodka in deep plates, allowing the sauce to pool invitingly. For an elegant touch, consider serving in individual pasta bowls with a sprig of parsley on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This helps keep the flavors vibrant and the pasta fresh.
Freezing
For longer storage, transfer the dish into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the Shrimp Penne alla Vodka in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce’s consistency.
FAQs
-
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, you can. Simply add the shrimp during the last step to avoid overcooking them, ensuring they stay tender.
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Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for vodka?
Absolutely, you can substitute with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth if you prefer to omit the vodka.
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What type of tomatoes should I use?
Crushed tomatoes or tomato passata are ideal as they break down nicely, creating a smooth and flavorful sauce.
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Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version that maintains the deliciously creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
Bringing together simple ingredients in a harmonious blend, Shrimp Penne alla Vodka is a wonderful dish that promises joy with every bite. Invite your loved ones to your table and let this captivating meal be the highlight of your dinner gathering. Bon appétit!
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Shrimp Penne alla Vodka Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Shrimp Penne alla Vodka is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish combining succulent shrimp, a rich tomato and vodka sauce, and al dente penne. Perfect for a quick yet indulgent dinner, it balances savory seafood with tangy tomato and smooth cream for a delightful culinary experience.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Shrimp
- 450g / 1 lbs shrimp, cleaned and deveined
- 500g / 1 lbs penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
For the Sauce
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 70ml / 1/4 cup vodka
- 400g / 14oz canned crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
- 70ml / 1/4 cup heavy/double cream
- 1 tbsp fresh basil and oregano, combined (or 1 tsp dried herbs)
- 1/2 tsp salt, plus extra for pasta water and seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the shrimp with a pinch of salt and cook for 1 minute on each side until they turn pink. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Herbs: In the same pan, add finely chopped onion and cook on low heat for 7-10 minutes until soft and translucent. Then add minced garlic and chopped herbs, cooking for an additional minute while stirring.
- Add Vodka: Pour in vodka, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Cook for 1 minute until the alcohol reduces slightly.
- Make the Tomato Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, stir to combine, then season with 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the sauce changes from bright red to a shade of orange, indicating it’s done.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook the penne in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water if needed.
- Combine and Finish: Once the sauce is ready, stir in the heavy cream. Add the cooked pasta and shrimp along with any juices collected on the plate. Toss gently to combine, season with additional salt if necessary, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted in equal measure.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes with the garlic and herbs.
- Save some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- This dish is best served immediately for optimal flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 603 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 888 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 86 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 285 mg
