Baked Penne Alla Vodka
Made with the creamiest, richest tomato sauce ever, this easy homemade Baked Penne Alla Vodka is a nourishing family favorite. Melted mozzarella cheese and tender ground turkey make it even better!
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red, orange, or green pepper)
- 1 pound ground turkey
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup vodka, use your favorite vodka
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook penne pasta according to the directions on the box.
- In the meantime, heat olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat.
- Add the onions and peppers to the hot oil; cook for 3 minutes.
- Stir in the ground turkey, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 8 minutes or until no longer pink, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon.
- Drain any excess grease, if needed, and return skillet over medium heat.
- Season with the rosemary, oregano, and basil.
- Add the garlic and cook for 15 seconds.
- Stir in the tomato paste.
- Pour in the vodka and, using a wooden spoon, scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet; cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes; stir.
- Add the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese; stir until completely combined.
- Bring to a simmer; reduce heat and let simmer for 3 minutes.
- In the meantime drain the pasta.
- Transfer pasta to a 9x13 baking dish.
- Pour the turkey mixture over the pasta and mix until thoroughly incorporated.
- Add slices of fresh mozzarella on top.
- Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and pasta is bubbling on the sides.
- Remove from oven and let stand 5 to 10 minutes.
- Serve.
Nutrition
Calories: 584kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 437mg | Potassium: 734mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1413IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 248mg | Iron: 3mg
