Penne Alla Vodka is a classic dish found at many Italian restaurants. It is made better here with the addition of pancetta, peas and shrimp! I was always interested in vodka sauce as you don’t normally find recipes using this liquor. I learned, however, is that the vodka is not used for flavor, but instead helps meld the cream with the tomatoes, creating a more cohesive sauce – you only need a little bit to achieve this effect! Pancetta adds a salty flavor while the peas contrast with some sweetness. Using the leftover pancetta oil to cook the shrimp helps bring all of the flavors together.
You can customize this dish by adding different types of protein, including chicken or beef or even by adding additional veggies such as chopped asparagus. Serve with some crusty bread and you have yourself a delicious and easy meal that will impress any group! Let me know what you think of my Penne Alla Vodka with Pancetta, Peas and Shrimp.
Penne Alla Vodka with Pancetta, Peas & Shrimp
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes, pureed
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3/4 cup parmesan, freshly grated + more for serving
- 1 cup peas, frozen
- 1 lb shrimp
- 8 oz pancetta, diced into 1/2" cubes
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley + more for serving
- 1 lb penne pasta
- salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in pan over medium heat. Cook diced pancetta 8-10 minutes until browned. Remove pancetta and set aside, leaving oil in pan.
- Add shrimp to pan, season with salt and pepper and cook 2-3 minutes each side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In separate large heavy-bottom pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and salt and pepper to taste. Cook 5 minutes until soft.
- Add red pepper and minced garlic, cook 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add pureed tomatoes and vodka to pan. Simmer 10 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and parmesan, simmer 5 minutes until thickened.
- Add parsley, pancetta and peas and keep warm.
- Cook pasta to al dente in salted water according to package instructions.
- Toss pasta in sauce and serve with shrimp. Garnish with additional parmesan and parsley.
