Penne with Vodka Sauce and Bacon

A quick tomato sauce is spiked with splashes of vodka and served over penne and bacon for an easy pasta dish that doesn't sacrifice flavor.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 527 Calories

Ingredients

• ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup chopped onion
• ground black pepper to taste
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 (12 ounce) package penne pasta
• 2 slices bacon, chopped
• 4 fluid ounces vodka
• 4 teaspoons dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes.

Step 2

Place bacon in a large saucepan and cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crisp, about 5 minutes. Drain bacon on paper towels.

Step 3

Return saucepan to medium-low heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until onion is translucent, about 3 minutes. Increase heat to high; add vodka and bring to a boil. Cook until reduced by 1/2, about 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook sauce until thickened, about 10 minutes.

Step 4

Drain pasta; top with the sauce and sprinkle with the bacon, basil, and black pepper.