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If you’re a fan of bold flavors, a touch of heat, and the artistry of Smokin’ and Grillin wit AB in the kitchen, then you’re in for a treat. We’re diving into the world of delectable pasta recipes. Get ready to elevate your culinary game with a Smokin’ and Grillin’ Vodka Pasta that’s guaranteed to sizzle in every bite!
Ingredients
- 16 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (plus more for garnish if desired)
- 28 ounces can Italian style or San Marzano whole tomatoes
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Cook the Penne Pasta:
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Add Tomatoes:
- Pour in the whole tomatoes with their juice into the skillet. Break the tomatoes apart using a spoon or spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and the sauce to thicken.
Add Vodka:
- Pour in the vodka and stir, letting it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. This helps to cook off the alcohol and infuse the sauce with flavor.
Incorporate Heavy Cream:
- Lower the heat and add the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir well to combine, allowing the sauce to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Integrate Parmesan Cheese:
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine with Pasta:
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy vodka sauce until well coated.
Finish and Garnish:
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and give it a final gentle toss. Garnish with additional crushed red pepper flakes if you like it spicier.
Serve:
- Plate the Smokin’ and Grillin’ Vodka Pasta, and sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your delicious and creamy pasta dish!

Vodka Pasta
Ingredients
- 16 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 28 oz Italian style or San Marzano whole tomatoes
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Pour in the whole tomatoes with their juice into the skillet. Break the tomatoes apart using a spoon or spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and the sauce to thicken.
- Pour in the vodka and stir, letting it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. This helps to cook off the alcohol and infuse the sauce with flavor.
- Lower the heat and add the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir well to combine, allowing the sauce to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy vodka sauce until well coated.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and give it a final gentle toss. Garnish with additional crushed red pepper flakes if you like it spicier.
- Plate the Smokin’ and Grillin’ Vodka Pasta, and sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your delicious and creamy pasta dish!
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