Vodka is the preferred drink of my beautiful sister, Shannon, so when John & I created this variation of Penne alla Vodka, we thought of her!
We made this recipe in two stages. We have lots of late summer tomatoes in various shapes, sizes, and colors, so I decided to roast them. We had about 2 pounds. Roasting Tomatoes deepens their flavor and produced a thick, rich sauce.
Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees. Line 2 11 X 15-inch rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice Cherry Tomatoes in half, and larger tomatoes into quarters. Place cut side up and drizzle with Olive Oil, and sprinkle with Shallot Pepper, Garlic Salt, and Italian Herbs. Roast for 2 hours. Allow Roasted Tomatoes to cool for about 15 minutes. Run through a sieve, pressing with a rubber spatula to express pulp and juices. Discard seeds and skins. Reserve Roasted Tomato Sauce.
Prepare a 1-pound box of Penne according to package directions.
In a deep skillet, saute:
1/4 cup Olive Oil
1 Onion, finely diced
2 cloves Garlic, minced
When Onions begin to soften, stir in:
8-ounces Prosciutto
Continue to stir-fry until fat melts, then add 1/2 cup Vodka and stir until it mostly evaporates.
Stir in reserved Roasted Tomato Sauce.
Add 1/2 pound fresh spinach, chopped
Cover with lid and allow to steam for 5 minutes.
Then stir to combine.
Because Tomatoes were seasoned, taste for flavor before adding Salt and Pepper.
Finish with 1/2 cup Cream.
Add cooked pasta to sauce pan, stirring until you have the right combination of sauce and pasta. Top with Parmesan Cheese.
We made this recipe in two stages. We have lots of late summer tomatoes in various shapes, sizes, and colors, so I decided to roast them. We had about 2 pounds. Roasting Tomatoes deepens their flavor and produced a thick, rich sauce.
Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees. Line 2 11 X 15-inch rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice Cherry Tomatoes in half, and larger tomatoes into quarters. Place cut side up and drizzle with Olive Oil, and sprinkle with Shallot Pepper, Garlic Salt, and Italian Herbs. Roast for 2 hours. Allow Roasted Tomatoes to cool for about 15 minutes. Run through a sieve, pressing with a rubber spatula to express pulp and juices. Discard seeds and skins. Reserve Roasted Tomato Sauce.
Prepare a 1-pound box of Penne according to package directions.
In a deep skillet, saute:
1/4 cup Olive Oil
1 Onion, finely diced
2 cloves Garlic, minced
When Onions begin to soften, stir in:
8-ounces Prosciutto
Continue to stir-fry until fat melts, then add 1/2 cup Vodka and stir until it mostly evaporates.
Stir in reserved Roasted Tomato Sauce.
Add 1/2 pound fresh spinach, chopped
Cover with lid and allow to steam for 5 minutes.
Then stir to combine.
Because Tomatoes were seasoned, taste for flavor before adding Salt and Pepper.
Finish with 1/2 cup Cream.
Add cooked pasta to sauce pan, stirring until you have the right combination of sauce and pasta. Top with Parmesan Cheese.
These recipes are provided for your personal use. If you publish them, or re-post them, please give me credit. Grazie e Buon Appetito!
Elaine says
I love penne with vodka sauce…your idea of roasting the tomatoes is a great one and must make it even tastier. I also like that your version has the prosciutto and spinach. Mmmm…!
The Café Sucré Farine says
This looks like a perfect meal for one of these beautiful, cool, fall evenings! I love all of these flavors and sure they are delicious combined!
Lizzy says
This looks incredible, Susan! Love the addition of spinach and prosciutto…I know my family would be instant fans!
PS…thanks for your sweet comment! xoxo
Ryan says
Can you overnight a big bowl of this pasta to me?? 🙂 It sounds absolutely delicious. Pasta with vodka sauce is one of my favorite meals and I can’t imagine how much better it tastes with homegrown roasted tomatoes. Yuumm!