Authentic Penne alla Vodka with Crispy Pancetta

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 lb penne rigate pasta
• 4 oz pancetta or bacon (diced)
• 2 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 shallot (minced), 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 1/3 cup good quality vodka
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, salt to taste
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• 1/2 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1
   Cook diced pancetta in large skillet until crispy (5 mins). Remove half for garnish.
2. 2
   Add butter, shallot, garlic, and red pepper flakes; sauté 2 minutes.
3. 3
   Add tomato paste; cook for 4-5 minutes stirring constantly until it turns a deep rust color.
4. 4
   Pour in vodka to deglaze the pan; simmer for 2 minutes to cook off raw alcohol.
5. 5
   Pour in heavy cream and stir until velvety pink. Simmer gently on low for 3 minutes.
6. 6
   Boil penne until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
7. 7
   Toss hot pasta and parmesan directly into the vodka sauce, adding splashes of pasta water as needed to gloss.
8. 8
   Plate topped with reserved crispy pancetta and fresh basil.

🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)