Penne alla Vodka

I am back from vacation and anxious to get into the kitchen.  One can get really tired of the buffet table...even if it was only at breakfast and maybe a lunch or two.   The food in both Turkey and Greece was different but it was delicious and I learned to eat a few new things.  It was a great trip to Turkey and Greece and yes, I bought a cookbook or two along the way....


We got home late last night.  Sadly, I managed to bring a really bad cold home with me.  Between jet lag, feeling generally rotten and unpacking, I knew that there was not going to be a trip to the grocery store.  That decision was going to present a challenge at dinner....As I waded through the many emails waiting for me, I saw a recipe for Penne alla Vodka from Saveur that looked really simple and best of all, I knew that I had everything!


I cut the recipe in half since it is just the two of us, so that is what the recipe below reflects.  It made enough for dinner with some leftover for lunch tomorrow.

Penne alla Vodka
Saveur, Sharing the Best of the Web

Serves 2-3

Kosher salt, to taste
1/2 lb penne
!/8 cup olive oil
1/2 tsp crushed red chile flakes
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced lengthwise
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (I used fire-roasted tomatoes.)
1/8 cup vodka
3/8 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup parmesan
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Finely chopped parsley, to garnish

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; add penne and cook, stirring, until al dente, about 11 minutes.

Heat oil in a 6-quart saucepan over medium heat add chile flakes and garlic, and cook, stirring and lightly browned, about 3 minutes.  Add tomatoes and vodka flakes and cook, stirring until slightly reduced, about 5 minutes.  Stir in cream and cheese, season with salt and pepper, and stir until smooth. Drain pasta, and transfer to pan with sauce; toss pasta with sauce until evenly coated.  Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with parsley.

PRINTABLE RECIPE


I am sharing today with Full Plate Thursday hosted by Miz Helen's Country Cottage and Foodie Friday hosted by Michael at Rattlebridge Farm.




Comments

  1. Kate, I love your photos! They bring back memories of our honeymoon!

    And Penne alla Vodka - YUM!

    I hope you had a fabulous time!

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  2. Looks like you had an exciting trip Kate! Dinner looks good too! Sorry to hear about your cold, take care:@)

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  3. Welcome home Kate. Vacations are amazing but it is always nice to sleep in our own bed. Thanks for taking us on this armchair journey and sharing this recipe. Get better soon:D

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  4. Welcome home and now start feeling better. Traveling can be very difficult though a lot of fun. You managed to put a great meal on the table. Anxious to hear more about the food you encountered in Turkey.

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  5. Lucky you!

    Take care and welcome back..was Greece outstanding w/ it's blue skies?

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    1. The Greek Isles were amazing..the water was a special color of blue and green and the sky was such a deep blue. It was a great trip.

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  6. Hello Kate, I'm visiting via Food Blogs. Sounds interesting...both the recipe and the trip. Wonderful vacation photos!

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  7. We are suckers for pasta!! Sometimes, the simpler the better!! Looks delicious!

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  8. Recipe sounds great. I love cooking with vodka and have also enjoyed your photos!

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  9. Your pasta dish is the perfect ending for a trip to Greece and Turkey! I'm so sorry you brought home a cold and hope you feel better soon. Your photos are marvelous! Welcome home!

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  10. I just popped over from Rattlebridge. This looks like a perfect meal after a fun vacation. I can't tell you how many blogs I have read that said after flying they came back with a cold. Do you suppose someone is just flying around making people sick. lol - sorry that you feel bad - get well soon.

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  11. The trip sounds like it was a good one. Hope you are feeling better soon. It is not fun to travel home feeling bad. The pasta recipes sounds yummy.

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  12. Hi Kathy. Just checking, now that you changed your commenting, if I can get through. Thanks. Susan

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  13. So glad to hear that you had a nice trip. What a bummer - jet lag and a cold at the same time. I can't believe you could put together such a lovely dinner.
    Sam

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  14. I hope you are feeling like a human being again, Kathy. That readjustment, especially with a cold, can be brutal. I'm looking forward to hearing all about your trip and seeing more photos. I haven't been to Turkey but spend 3 weeks in Greece a few years ago and loved every minute of it. For the most part I really enjoyed the food.

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  15. Can't wait to hear about your trip. Both my mother and sis have been to Turkey and Greece, but alas I have to live vicariously! :) Beautiful pasta that you just threw together!

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  16. I loved Greece and Turkey. It was quite some time ago and stayed for a month. I will never forget the turkish bath! Your pasta is an amazing dish made with what is on hand.

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  17. Sorry you came home with a cold but I bet you also brought home some terrific memories. the penne alla vodka was a great way to re-enter.

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  18. Welcome home! No doubt you enjoyed some new food that was delicious. Feel better soon,

    Velva

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