Shrimp Penne alla Vodka is a dish that marries succulent shrimp with a creamy, tomato-infused vodka sauce, creating a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and elegant. This Italian-inspired recipe offers a restaurant-quality meal right from your kitchen in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The vodka sauce perfectly complements the delicate flavor of the shrimp.
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.
- Easy to Customize: Adapt the dish with your favorite herbs or proteins for personalized taste.
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors and creamy texture make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Shrimp Penne alla Vodka is built on a foundation of fresh, high-quality ingredients that are as straightforward as they are flavorful. Each ingredient plays a pivotal role in delivering a dish that’s both complex and comforting.
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin for a depth of flavor in cooking the shrimp.
- Shrimp: Ensure they’re cleaned and deveined to highlight their delicate, sweet taste.
- Onion and garlic: These aromatics form the base, enhancing the sauce’s flavors.
- Vodka: Adds a subtle yet sophisticated kick, balancing the richness of the cream.
- Canned crushed tomatoes: Provides a robust, tangy foundation to the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Lends a luxurious creaminess to the sauce.
- Penne pasta: Holds the sauce beautifully with its ridges and tubular shape.
- Herbs: Fresh basil and oregano bring a fragrant, earthy note to the dish.
Variations
The beauty of Shrimp Penne alla Vodka lies in its adaptability. Whether you’re catering to dietary preferences or simply want to spice things up, there are countless ways to make this dish your own.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a veggie-friendly twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper or sauté a diced chili with the onions for an added burst of heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to keep it coeliac-friendly without compromising on taste.
How to Make Shrimp Penne alla Vodka
Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp
Begin by heating olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the shrimp, sprinkling with a pinch of salt, and cook for about one minute on each side, just until they turn a delightful pink. Remove them from the pan and set aside; you’ll be coming back to these stars soon!
Step 2: Build the Sauce
In the same pan, reduce the heat and add finely chopped onion. Let these simmer gently until soft and translucent, which usually takes anywhere from 7 to 10 minutes. Stir in the herbs and garlic, cooking for a minute to release their full aroma. Pour in the vodka, stirring to deglaze the pan and lift those delicious browned bits from the bottom.
Step 3: Combine Everything
After deglazing, incorporate the canned crushed tomatoes, a bit of salt, and bring everything to a gentle boil. Lower the heat, allowing it to simmer for about 15 minutes, just until the sauce darkens to a rich, orange hue. During this time, cook and drain the pasta. Finally, stir in the cream to your sauce, then combine with the shrimp and pasta, tossing gently to ensure that each penne is gloriously coated.
Pro Tips for Making Shrimp Penne alla Vodka
- Perfect Shrimp Sear: Ensure the shrimp are completely dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful sear.
- Simmer Sensation: Allow the sauce to simmer until it jiggles slightly; this enhances the integration of flavors.
- Herb Freshness: Add herbs toward the end of cooking to preserve their fresh, digestible flavors.
- Alcohol Adjustment: If you prefer less of a vodka highlight, reduce the amount to your liking without compromising the sauce’s integrity.
How to Serve Shrimp Penne alla Vodka
Garnishes
Elevate your Shrimp Penne alla Vodka by garnishing it with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped parsley or basil. These final touches not only add a pop of green but also infuse the dish with a burst of flavor and aroma.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy delight with a crisp green salad drizzled in lemon vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to mop up the irresistible sauce. Complementing with a light side enhances the meal without overshadowing the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress dinner guests by serving this dish in shallow pasta bowls, with each shrimp strategically placed atop for an elegant touch. For a creative feast, assemble the pasta into a cupcake mold for individual servings, a perfect twist for entertaining!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This dish maintains its flavor and texture well, making it ideal for meal prep or a quick mid-week meal.
Freezing
For freezing, let the Shrimp Penne alla Vodka cool to room temperature before placing it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat this delightful dish gently over medium heat in a saucepan, adding a splash of cream or broth to retain the sauce’s luscious consistency. Stir occasionally until heated through.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp for the Shrimp Penne alla Vodka?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid any excess moisture that might dilute the flavors.
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What can I substitute for vodka if I don’t have any on hand?
You can replace vodka with an equal amount of chicken broth or water if alcohol isn’t preferred, though the distinct vodka kick might be missed.
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Can this dish be made dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative such as coconut cream or oat cream to keep the dish creamy and delicious.
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What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne is ideal due to its cylindrical shape, which holds the sauce perfectly, but any short pasta, like rigatoni or fusilli, can work beautifully as well.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to indulge in a plate of creamy, savory, and utterly satisfying pasta, Shrimp Penne alla Vodka is calling your name. It’s an irresistible mix of flavors that are sure to leave you and your loved ones craving more. Give it a try, and let your kitchen transform into an Italian bistro!
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Shrimp Penne alla Vodka Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Shrimp Penne alla Vodka is a flavorful Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a rich tomato and vodka sauce, finished with creamy heavydouble cream. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a comforting yet sophisticated meal.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 450g / 1 lbs shrimp, cleaned and deveined
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1/2 small onion
- 1-2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 tbsp fresh basil and oregano combined (can use dry herbs)
Pantry & Liquids
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 70ml / 1/4 cup vodka
- 400g / 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes/tomato passata
- 70ml / 1/4 cup heavy/double cream
Pasta
- 500g / 1 lbs penne (or any short pasta)
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the shrimp with a pinch of salt and cook for 1 minute on each side until they turn pink. Remove the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add finely chopped onion and cook on low for 7-10 minutes until soft and translucent. Add chopped fresh herbs and minced garlic; cook while stirring for one minute to release flavors.
- Add Vodka: Pour in vodka and stir continuously, scraping the bottom of the pan to release browned bits, and cook for 1 minute to reduce slightly.
- Prepare Tomato Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes to the pan, stir to combine, then add 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes until sauce changes from bright red to orange.
- Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Finish the Dish: Once the sauce is done, add heavy cream and stir to combine. Return the cooked shrimp along with any accumulated juices, then add cooked pasta. Gently toss everything together, season with salt if needed, and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use fresh herbs and high-quality vodka.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes during cooking.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup / 250g
- Calories: 603 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 888 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 86 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 285 mg
