×
Donal Skehan
Vodka Penne | DonalSkehan.com, Brilliant mid week dinner.
  • main-meals

Vodka Penne

September 07

This recipe is inspired by the fantastic Lorraine Fanneran who runs the equally fantastic and award-winning La Cucina in Limerick with her Italian husband Bruno. She is an expert at delicious little pasta dishes and this one definitely proves that. Parents, don’t worry: the alcohol burns off in the cooking, and anyway, the kids will be mightily impressed that you’re giving them vodka. Lorraine suggests 4 tablespoons of vodka (plus a few in a glass for yourself depending on how bad your day has been!).

 

 

  • serves Serves 4
  • time 20 mins

Method

  1. 1. Cook the pasta in a large saucepan according to the instructions on the packet.
  2. 2. Meanwhile, heat the butter in a large frying pan over a medium heat, add the bacon and fry for 3–5 minutes until golden. Add the vodka and allow to simmer for a minute before adding the cream, tomato purée and parsley. Simmer gently for 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
  3. 3. When the pasta is cooked, drain and add it to the sauce and mix through. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

350g dried penne

25g  butter

125g pancetta or bacon bits or 2 slices cooked ham, chopped

4 tablespoon vodka

200ml  double cream

3 tablespoon tomato purée

A small handful of fresh flat leaf parsley, roughly chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, to serve

You'll Need

Saucepan

Large frying pan