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Penne alla Vodka con Prosciutto

Penne alla Vodka con Prosciutto is a delightful Italian dish that combines the richness of creamy vodka sauce with the savory notes of cooked ham, traditionally known as 'Penne alla Vodka' in Italy. The dish is a celebration of simple ingredients, showcasing the beauty of quality pasta and fresh flavors. The use of Italian cooked ham (prosciutto cotto) adds depth and a hint of saltiness, perfectly complementing the luscious sauce. This dish is often enjoyed during family gatherings and festive occasions, symbolizing warmth and togetherness. Its delectable balance of flavors makes it a beloved choice in Italian households, and its creamy texture paired with the pasta creates a comforting meal that appeals to all ages.

Main | Italian | Egg-Free | Nut-Free | Shellfish-Free | Soy-Free | Penne | Pan | Pot | Heavy Cream | Marinara Sauce (ingredient) | Pasta | Prosciutto | Boiling | Sautéing | Simmering | Tossing | Family Gathering | Festive | Slow
Time to complete

Prep

15min

Cook

50min

Wait

0 minutes

Total

1h 5min

Ingredients (Makes 4 portions)

Pasta and Sauce

  • 225 g cooked ham (preferably Italian cooked ham)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 30 g unsalted butter
  • 1½ large white onions, finely chopped
  • 700 ml tomato sauce (or blended tinned peeled Italian tomatoes)
  • 3 tbsp finely chopped Italian parsley leaves
  • 950 ml double cream reduced by half (475 ml)
  • 175 ml vodka
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta

  • 900 g penne liscie # 40 (recommended: De Cecco)
Nutrition Information (per 100g)
  • Calories: 350
  • Fat: 20
  • Protein: 12
  • Carbohydrates: 30
  • Fiber: 2
Directions

Preparation

  • 1. Finely dice the cooked ham and set it aside.

Sautéing

  • 2. In a heavy-bottomed sautoir or pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.

Cooking Onions

  • 3. Once the butter has melted and is foamy, add the chopped onions and sauté until they are crispy but not browned.

Adding Ham

  • 4. Lower the heat and add the diced ham, stirring occasionally for about 15 minutes.

Adding Sauce

  • 5. Add the tomato sauce to the ham mixture, stir well, and let it simmer for an additional 20 minutes before incorporating the parsley.

Creamy Finish

  • 6. After 3 minutes, add the reduced double cream and vodka, mixing thoroughly and allowing it to simmer for another 20 minutes.

Final Adjustments

  • 7. Check the sauce's consistency, simmer for an additional 10 minutes if needed, then season with salt and pepper.

Pasta Cooking

  • 8. In a separate pot, bring 5 liters of salted water to a boil.

Cooking Pasta

  • 9. Add the penne and cook for approximately 11 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain the pasta.

Combining

  • 10. Mix the cooked penne into the sauce and let it simmer together for 2 minutes before serving hot.
Cookix's Secrets

Alternative Ingredients

  • Substitute penne with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.

Cooking Tips

  • Ensure the butter does not brown to maintain the sauce's light color.

Flavor Enhancements

  • Incorporate red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Healthier Options

  • Replace double cream with a lighter cream or half-and-half for a lower-calorie version.

Serving Suggestions

  • Garnish with additional parsley for a fresh touch.