Penne alla Vodka – No Penne / No Vodka
by
Christian Petroni
Christian Petroni reinvents the viral Penne alla Vodka with his own unapologetic Italian-American twist—using rigatoni instead of penne and swapping vodka for red wine. Creamy, rich, and deeply flavorful, this dish celebrates the beauty of imperfection and the joy of cooking from the heart.
Prep Time:
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Serves:
4 Servings
Level:
Intermediate
1 lb rigatoni (or similar short pasta)
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (preferably Frankie’s 457)
3 oz prosciutto, diced (include fatty ends)
3 cloves garlic, sliced or smashed
1 shallot, finely diced
½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
½ cup red wine (for deglazing – replaces vodka)
1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
¾ cup heavy cream
2 tbsp unsalted butter
½ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated
½ cup Pecorino Romano, grated
Salt, to taste
Fresh basil, for garnish
Ingredients
Step 1 Render & Build Flavor
Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add diced prosciutto and let the fat render until edges begin to crisp.
Step 2 Toast & Layer Aromatics
Add garlic and black pepper to the pan. Let them toast gently until fragrant. Add shallots to slow the cooking and build the base flavor.
Step 3 Deglaze & Simmer
Once shallots are softened, deglaze the pan with red wine. Let it reduce slightly, scraping any brown bits from the bottom.
Step 4 Add Tomatoes & Cream
Pour in tomato sauce and stir. Add heavy cream and cook until the sauce turns a beautiful blush pink.
Step 5 Cook the Pasta
Boil rigatoni in salted water for half the suggested time (about 5 minutes if the box says 10). Save some pasta water.
Step 6 Combine & Finish
Transfer the half-cooked pasta directly into the sauce. Add a splash of pasta water and finish cooking in the pan until the sauce thickens and clings to every noodle.
Step 7 Butter & Cheese Emulsion
Add butter, Parmigiano, and Pecorino. Toss vigorously until creamy and glossy.
Instructions
Top with fresh basil, more cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Serve immediately—with or without a glass of actual vodka.