No, penne vodka does not contain any meat. Penne vodka is a classic Italian American pasta dish made with penne pasta, a vodka tomato sauce, and sometimes prosciutto or pancetta. However, the meat is optional and the dish can easily be made vegetarian or vegan. The key ingredients in penne vodka are penne pasta, vodka, tomato sauce or tomato puree, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. The vodka adds a depth of flavor while the cream helps create the signature pink sauce.
What is Penne Vodka?
Penne vodka is a rich, creamy pasta dish that likely originated from Italian American restaurants and home cooks. It’s made by simmering vodka and tomato sauce together to create a light pink vodka tomato sauce, then mixing in heavy cream to give it a silky texture. The sauce coats penne pasta, and gets topped with parmesan cheese before serving.
Some recipes may call for the addition of pancetta or prosciutto, which are Italian cured meats made from pork. However, the meat is completely optional. The flavors of the vodka, tomato, cream, and cheese are enough to make this a substantial and satisfying pasta dish without any meat.
Here are the key ingredients found in penne vodka:
Penne Pasta
Penne is a tube-shaped pasta with angled ends. It’s one of the most popular pasta shapes out there, and holds up well when mixed into sauces. The nooks and crannies of the penne allow the sauce to stick to each piece, making sure each bite is infused with flavor.
Vodka
Vodka is the ingredient that gives penne vodka its name. Vodka has a neutral flavor, so it won’t make the sauce taste boozy. Instead, it adds a depth of flavor and enhances the sweetness of the tomato sauce. Just a quarter cup of vodka is enough to give this sauce its signature kick.
Tomato Sauce
Traditional penne vodka recipes call for tomato sauce or tomato puree. The tomato provides the base of the sauce with bright, acidic flavors. Tomato sauce gives the vodka sauce its orange-red color.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream or heavy whipping cream is what makes this sauce so velvety and lush. The cream lightens the tomato sauce to a delicate pink color and gives it a smooth, creamy texture.
Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated parmesan cheese adds a savory, nutty flavor and salty accent to the pasta. Make sure to use real parmesan cheese, not the stuff that comes in a can or plastic tub. Fresh parmesan makes all the difference.
Does Penne Vodka Have Meat?
While some penne vodka recipes do include pancetta or prosciutto, the meat is completely optional. There are many delicious vegetarian and vegan versions of this classic dish.
Here’s a breakdown of whether traditional meats are included:
Pancetta
Pancetta is an Italian cured meat, similar to bacon. Some recipes call for rendering the pancetta in the pan first before cooking the rest of the dish. However, pancetta can easily be omitted.
Prosciutto
Prosciutto is an Italian dry-cured ham that is usually served raw as an appetizer. Some recipes suggest dicing prosciutto and sautéing it along with the onions and garlic before making the sauce. Prosciutto can be left out of penne vodka.
Ground Beef or Sausage
Some modern recipes of penne vodka call for cooking crumbled sausage or ground beef right in the tomato vodka sauce. While delicious, this is not traditional for penne vodka, which was originally a vegetarian dish.
Chicken or Shrimp
To make it more of a one-pot meal, some recipes add shrimp or chicken to penne vodka. However, seafood or poultry are not standard ingredients for this pasta.
How to Make Vegetarian or Vegan Penne Vodka
It’s easy to make penne vodka completely meatless. Here are some tips:
Omit the Pancetta and Prosciutto
Traditional penne vodka recipes call for cooking pancetta or prosciutto with the aromatics like onion and garlic. For a vegetarian version, simply sauté the onions, garlic, and any other vegetables in olive oil instead of cooking the pork products.
Use Vegetable Broth
Some recipes have you deglaze the pan with vodka after cooking the pancetta. For a vegetarian version, you can deglaze the pan with vegetable broth instead for a similar effect.
Add Veggies
Try adding extra vegetables to up the nutrition in your vegetarian penne vodka. Options like mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or roasted red peppers pair nicely with the tomato sauce.
Use Soy or Almond Milk
To make vegan penne vodka, replace the heavy cream with an equal amount of full-fat coconut milk, almond milk, soy milk, or cashew milk. This gives the sauce a creamy, luxurious texture without the dairy.
Substitute Nut Cheese for Parmesan
For a vegan dish, you can top the pasta with nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan cheese made from nuts or other plant ingredients instead of traditional parmesan.
Penne Vodka Nutrition Facts
Penne vodka is a relatively hearty pasta dish. Here are the nutrition facts for a typical serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 680 |
| Total Fat | 35g |
| Saturated Fat | 19g |
| Protein | 16g |
| Carbohydrates | 57g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 5g |
The high calorie, fat, and carb counts are largely due to the pasta, cream, parmesan cheese, and oil used to cook the pasta. Vegetarian versions may have slightly lower saturated fat and calories if made without cream.
Here is a nutritional comparison of 1 cup serving sizes of potential ingredients:
| Ingredient | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penne pasta | 200 | 1g | 43g | 7g |
| Tomato sauce | 60 | 1g | 12g | 2g |
| Heavy cream | 815 | 88g | 12g | 5g |
| Parmesan cheese | 111 | 7g | 2g | 10g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 119 | 14g | 0g | 0g |
As you can see, ingredients like cheese and heavy cream significantly increase the fat and calorie counts. Making vegetarian swaps helps lighten it up.
Health Benefits of Penne Vodka
While penne vodka is an indulgent, calorie-dense food, it can still fit into a healthy diet in moderation. Here are some of the health benefits the ingredients offer:
Tomatoes
Fresh tomatoes and tomato products like sauce provide disease-fighting antioxidants like lycopene, beta carotene, and vitamin C. Tomatoes also contain potassium.
Pasta
Pasta is a good source of carbohydrates to fuel the body. Whole grain or veggie based pastas can add extra fiber and nutrients.
Olive Oil
The olive oil used to cook the pasta provides monounsaturated fats that are good for heart health.
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese contains protein for building muscles, as well as calcium for strong bones.
Overall, penne vodka can be part of a healthy diet when eaten in moderation. Balance it out by loading up on veggies, choosing whole grain pasta, and not overdoing the high-fat cream.
Tips for Making Penne Vodka
Here are some tips for making perfect penne vodka at home:
– Use high quality ingredients. Splurge on imported Italian tomatoes, vodka, and parmesan cheese.
– Cook the pasta al dente. Undercook it slightly so it stays firm when mixed with the sauce.
– Simmer the vodka sauce gently so the alcohol cooks off. You don’t want an overly boozy taste.
– Stir the heavy cream into the hot pasta instead of directly into the sauce. This prevents curdling.
– Save some of the starchy pasta water to thin out the sauce if needed.
– Season to taste with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, oregano, and parsley.
– Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving so the pasta can absorb the flavors.
– Garnish with extra shredded parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Like most pasta dishes, penne vodka leftovers will keep for 3 to 5 days refrigerated in an airtight container. To reheat, there are a few options:
On the Stovetop
Place the leftovers in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out. Gently reheat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add extra pasta water as needed to loosen up the sauce.
In the Microwave
Transfer the leftovers to a microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. The pasta may separate a bit, so stir vigorously at the end.
In the Oven
For the best results, put the leftovers in an oven-safe baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, until hot. The oven keeps the textures intact.
Easy Variations
Once you master the classic, try these fun ways to change up penne vodka:
– Add sauteed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli florets for extra veggies.
– Use whole wheat or lentil penne for added protein.
– Swap in different vegetables like zucchini, yellow squash, or roasted red peppers.
– For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or chili powder.
– Make it creamy with a blend of soft silken tofu and milk.
– Top with sauteed shrimp or scallops for a seafood lover’s twist.
– Garnish with basil, parsley, oregano, or thyme instead of just parmesan.
– Stir in lemon juice or sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy brightness.
Best Dishes to Pair it With
Penne vodka pairs well with a variety of side dishes and starters. Consider serving it with:
Salad
A green salad or Caesar salad adds freshness and vegetables. The crisp lettuce contrasts the rich, creamy pasta.
Bread
Bread is great for soaking up any extra sauce. Garlic bread, focaccia, or crusty bread make perfect accompaniments.
Meatballs
For a heartier meal, serve penne vodka with Italian-style beef or turkey meatballs.
Sauteed Vegetables
Sauteed broccoli rabe, asparagus, or zucchini make flavorful veggie sides.
Bruschetta
Start your meal with classic tomato bruschetta as an appetizer.
Wine
Penne vodka calls for an equally flavorful glass of wine. Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Rosé pair nicely with this pasta dish.
Where to Find the Best Penne Vodka
If you don’t want to make it at home, head to one of these restaurants known for stellar penne vodka:
New York, NY
– Carbone – This upscale Italian restaurant helped make penne vodka famous.
– Via Carota – Their version has pancetta and ramps when in season.
– Scarpetta – A signature NYC spot for creative Italian food.
Chicago, IL
– Siena Tavern – Housemade vodka sauce over rigatoni is their specialty.
– Franco’s Ristorante – Classic Italian American flavor with homemade pastas.
– Piccolo Sogno – Elegant ambiance and a hearty pink vodka sauce.
Los Angeles, CA
– Osteria Mamma – Penne vodka is their top-selling handmade pasta dish.
– Felix Trattoria – Fancy Italian with a twist in Venice Beach.
– Angelini Osteria – Their penne vodka is made with a secret blend of three Italian cheeses.
Boston, MA
– SRV – Upscale North End spot with housemade pasta and sauces.
– Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse – Elegant Food in a historic building.
– Strip T’s – Casual neighborhood place with great portions.
So head out to these spots to taste exquisite restaurant-quality penne vodka if you don’t want the hassle of making it yourself!
Conclusion
In summary, penne vodka is a rich, creamy, and flavorful Italian American pasta dish that traditionally does not contain any meat. The recipe is made vegetarian by omitting the optional pancetta or prosciutto, and using vegetable broth instead of meat drippings. Swapping out the heavy cream for plant-based milk alternatives also makes this dish completely vegan. While high in calories and fat, penne vodka can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy lifestyle. Master the technique of simmering the vodka, tomatoes, and cream together to coat the perfectly al dente pasta for a satisfying meal. Add your own twist with extra vegetables, herbs, spices, and protein to suit your tastes. Pair penne vodka with salads, breads, and wine for a complete meal. With a few tweaks, this comfort food classic can be vegetarian, vegan, and delicious.