Best 5 Penne With Vodka Sauce And Mini Meatballs Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary masterpiece with our tantalizing Penne with Vodka Sauce and Mini Meatballs recipe. This delectable dish combines the richness of vodka sauce with juicy mini meatballs, resulting in a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Savor the velvety smooth vodka sauce, infused with a hint of tangy tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a touch of cream. Perfectly complementing the sauce are the tender and succulent mini meatballs, seasoned to perfection and bursting with savory goodness. Served over al dente penne pasta, this dish promises an unforgettable dining experience.

In addition to the main recipe, we also offer variations to cater to diverse preferences. For a vegetarian delight, try our Penne with Vodka Sauce and Roasted Vegetables, where colorful vegetables take center stage. If you prefer a spicier kick, our Penne alla Vodka with Spicy Sausage will ignite your palate. And for those with dietary restrictions, our Gluten-Free Penne with Vodka Sauce and Turkey Meatballs provides a delicious and allergy-friendly option.

Elevate your culinary skills with our comprehensive guide, which includes step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and stunning food photography. Impress your loved ones with this remarkable dish, perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in. Explore the world of flavors and embark on a culinary journey with our Penne with Vodka Sauce and Mini Meatballs recipe.

Let's cook with our recipes!

PENNE WITH VODKA SAUCE



Penne With Vodka Sauce image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

Kosher salt
12 ounces penne
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 large shallot or 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
1 28-ounce can whole plum tomatoes, crushed by hand
3/4 cup vodka (optional)
3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/3 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta. Drizzle lightly with olive oil, toss and set aside.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook, stirring, until soft, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, vodka, the reserved cooking water, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the red pepper flakes. Bring to a rapid simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 12 to 15 minutes. Stir in the cream and simmer 1 more minute.
  • Add the cooked pasta, the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, the grated cheese and parsley to the sauce. Cook, tossing, 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt. Divide among bowls and top with more cheese.

ITALIAN MEATBALLS IN VODKA SAUCE



Italian Meatballs in Vodka Sauce image

Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h15m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 tablespoon olive oil
One 1 1/2- to 2-pound package fresh meatballs (about 24 meatballs)
1/2 cup vodka
One 32-ounce jar marinara sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan, for garnish
Torn fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Steps:

  • To cook in a slow cooker: Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add the oil. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides to create a beautiful crust, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer the meatballs to a plate. Deglaze the pan with the vodka and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom. Transfer the liquid from the pan to a slow cooker.
  • Add the marinara sauce, heavy cream, salt and pepper to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Add the meatballs. Cook on high until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is thickened slightly, 2 to 4 hours. When ready to serve, top with fresh cheese and torn basil leaves.
  • To cook on the stove top: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat and add the oil. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides to create a beautiful crust, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer the meatballs to a plate, leaving behind as much of the oil in the pot as possible. Add the vodka and cook for about 30 seconds to deglaze the pot, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom.
  • Add the marinara sauce, heavy cream, salt and pepper and stir to combine. Turn the heat to low, return the meatballs back to the pot and simmer until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is thickened slightly, 30 to 45 minutes. When ready to serve, top with fresh cheese and torn basil leaves.

PENNE ALLA VODKA



Penne alla Vodka image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Time 25m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 pound penne
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 whole medium onion, chopped finely
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup vodka
One 14-ounce can tomato puree or tomato sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1 generous pinch red pepper flakes, plus more if needed
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Grated Parmesan, for serving

Steps:

  • Cook the pasta according to package directions.
  • Saute the garlic and onions in 2 tablespoons butter and the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat until soft. Pour in the vodka, being careful if your stove has an open flame (remove the pan from the heat before adding). Cook and reduce for 2 to 3 minutes, then pour in the tomato puree. Stir the mixture until it's thoroughly combined, then reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine, then turn heat to the lowest simmer possible. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and add salt and pepper to taste. Finally, stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Pour the drained pasta into the sauce and toss to combine. Sprinkle on the Parmesan, then sprinkle on more red pepper flakes if desired.

PENNE AND MEATBALLS ALL'ARRABBIATA



Penne and Meatballs All'Arrabbiata image

A spicy homemade red pasta sauce paired with penne pasta and big meatballs. Really a palate-pleaser for the spice enthusiast.

Provided by Amy

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta

Time 1h25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 pound ground beef chuck
½ cup panko bread crumbs
¼ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 egg white
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 ½ fluid ounces extra-virgin olive oil
¾ cup sliced white button mushrooms
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ teaspoons red pepper flakes
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 fresh tomatoes, diced
salt to taste
2 teaspoons white sugar
1 (16 ounce) box penne pasta
¼ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

Steps:

  • Mix beef, panko, 1/4 cup parsley, egg white, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl until combined. Form mixture into 12 meatballs.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet; pan-fry meatballs in hot oil until browned on all sides, about 7 to 10 minutes. Remove meatballs from heat.
  • Heat olive oil in a 6-quart Dutch oven or a large skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir mushrooms in hot oil until tender, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook and stir until garlic is golden, about 5 minutes more. Stir canned and fresh tomatoes into mushrooms and season with salt.
  • Drop meatballs into tomato sauce and stir in sugar; bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered until sauce is reduced and meatballs are no longer pink in the center, about 45 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a boil. Stir in penne and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain pasta.
  • Stir penne pasta into meatball sauce; toss to coat. Stir pasta water into mixture if sauce becomes too dry. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup parsley to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 608.5 calories, Carbohydrate 68.3 g, Cholesterol 34.3 mg, Fat 29.5 g, Fiber 4.2 g, Protein 21.8 g, SaturatedFat 6.5 g, Sodium 184.2 mg, Sugar 6.9 g

PENNE AND VODKA SAUCE



Penne and Vodka Sauce image

One of the best and easiest recipes I have tried. You can find pancetta at any good Italian deli, try not to substitute as it makes the dish. This is also very good with shrimp added in the last few minutes of simmering. If you like spice, add a dash or 2 of red pepper flakes.

Provided by Rick Naylor

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta

Time 25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta
2 tablespoons butter
¼ pound thinly sliced pancetta bacon, chopped
⅓ cup vodka
½ cup heavy whipping cream
1 ½ cups tomato sauce
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • Meanwhile, melt butter or margarine in a large skillet over medium heat. Add pancetta, and saute until lightly browned. Add vodka and stir until it is reduced by half, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in tomato sauce and cream. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir every few minutes.
  • Stir in pasta, and heat through. Serve with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 795.3 calories, Carbohydrate 87.9 g, Cholesterol 84.1 mg, Fat 35.2 g, Fiber 5.1 g, Protein 23.9 g, SaturatedFat 17.1 g, Sodium 928.9 mg, Sugar 7.5 g

Tips:

  • Choosing the Right Pasta: Use a short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli to hold the vodka sauce and meatballs well.
  • Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the sauce and high-quality ground beef for the meatballs to elevate the flavor of the dish.
  • Don't Skip the Aromatics: Sautéing onions, garlic, and red pepper flakes in olive oil adds depth and flavor to the sauce.
  • Simmer the Sauce: Allow the vodka sauce to simmer gently for at least 30 minutes to develop its flavors and thicken slightly.
  • Use Good Quality Vodka: Choose a smooth, high-quality vodka for the sauce; it should complement the other ingredients rather than overpowering them.
  • Pan-Fry the Meatballs: Pan-frying the meatballs before adding them to the sauce gives them a nice browned exterior and prevents them from falling apart.
  • Fresh Herbs for Garnish: Top the finished dish with fresh basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Conclusion:

Penne with Vodka Sauce and Mini Meatballs is a delightful and versatile dish that combines the richness of a creamy vodka sauce with the savory goodness of homemade meatballs. It is a perfect meal for any occasion, whether it's a casual family dinner or an elegant dinner party. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to indulge in this culinary masterpiece!

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