Penne alla Vodka with Shrimp (Best Creamy Sauce)
Quick and delicious Penne alla Vodka with Shrimp (Best Creamy Sauce) that comes together in under 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb deveined shrimp tails removed
- 1/2 medium yellow onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz penne pasta
- Salt & black pepper
- Shredded or grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- If you are using frozen shrimp, thaw and set aside.
- Chop 1/2 medium yellow onion and set aside.
- Mince 3 cloves of garlic.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes, and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir.
- Add the tomato paste and stir in until fully combined.
- Sprinkle in the sugar and stir.
- Reduce to medium heat.
- Pour in the vodka and stir.
- Add the heavy cream in a slow stream, stirring constantly.
- Lightly salt and pepper according to your taste. Remember to start small.
- Let the sauce simmer gently (do not boil) while you prepare your pasta.
- Prepare the pasta according to package directions. You will use about 3/4 of a 12 oz box.
- About 5 minutes before the pasta is ready, add the shrimp to the simmering sauce and toss to combine.
- Cook the shrimp until they are completely pink, about 5 minutes.
- Drain the pasta. Add the drained pasta directly to the pan with the sauce and toss, or serve separately and spoon the shrimp alla vodka sauce over the pasta.
- Finish with a sprinkle of shredded or grated parmesan cheese.