Hello Wednesday, nice to be cooking with you!
Spiking a simmering pot of pasta sauce with my favorite tipple is a cook's trick I embraced years ago.
Just like white wine adds brightness and acidity to my favorite shrimp scampi pasta and red wine makes my mom's spaghetti and meat sauce taste even richer, a scant 1/4 cup of vodka works its magic in this super simple penne alla vodka.
No, the vodka sauce won't get you tipsy — but it will brighten up the tomato cream sauce and give it the most luxurious, velvety smooth texture.
Make this pasta as a quick and easy weeknight din, or make it the centerpiece of your next dinner party, or heck, do like a true Italian and serve it as an appetizer for a meaty main dish like chicken Milanese or braised short ribs.
Enjoy!
Heidi
