Meaty One-Pot Penne Alla Vodka

By The Spruce

Updated 09/24/18

The Spruce
Ratings (92)
  • Total: 45 mins
  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 35 mins
  • Yield: Servings: 3-4
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
990 Calories
33g Fat
105g Carbs
51g Protein
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Whether it’s date night, family night, or comfort-food-cause-I-wanna night, this one-pot pasta is the only recipe you need. Loaded with ground beef and crushed tomatoes, this easy dinner is creamy and rich, with just a little vodka kick. Top it off with fresh grated Parmesan cheese for a sharp, salty finish. 

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Watch Now: One-Pot Penne Alla Vodka

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion (chopped)
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 28-ounce can tomatoes (crushed)
  • 1/2 cup vodka
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cups cooked penne (or any pasta you like)
  • Garnish: Parmesan cheese

Steps to Make It

  1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat

  2. Add the onion and saute until cooked through

  3. Add beef, salt, and pepper, cooking until the beef is browned through

  4. Add crushed tomatoes, vodka, and chili flakes. Bring the heat up to high and let simmer, stirring until the sauce reduces by about half.

  5. Add the cream and mix thoroughly

  6. Add the pasta and stir as the sauce thickens and covers all the pasta. Top with fresh parmesan cheese.