The almost forgotten quick and easy weeknight dish brought back to the table you must try

Do you remember this creamy, bold, pinkish pasta dish that was popular during the colourful and a bit weird (thinking of style) 1980s?

While it might sound like one of those stateside pasta recipe inventions passed as Italian, this delicious red tomato sauce spiked with vodka actually originated in Bologna in Emilia-Romagna in the northeast of Italy. Yes, the city that stands for some of the most iconic simple Italian dishes, also invented this rule-breaking pasta dish popular during the 1980s.

The story goes penne al vodka was invented in the 1970s in a local restaurant called Dante. At the time, the restaurant was famous for preparing dishes that would be flambéed directly at the table, to wow guests.

Penna al vodka might be a bit different, but kike many of Italy’s classic pasta dishes, the dish is quick and simple to make, calling for just few basic ingredients. Plus – you guessed it – vodka.

If you are looking for something quick for a weeknight dinner, when having over friends, penne al vodka is the perfect solution.

Wine Pairing: The best wine to serve with penne al vodka

There is nothing better than a delicious Italian pasta dish paired with a nice glass of wine. So, what wine pairs best with the creamy, bold penne al vodka?

There is actually a wide range of wines, both red and white, that perfectly complements the creamy tomato sauce.

A bright and fruity red with slight acidity like Sangiovese, Chianti Classico, Barbera or Primitivo would work perfectly.

If you prefer white wines, I would suggest to go with a Soave, Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

How to make penne al vodka with smoked salmon

This delicious, quick and easy Italian pasta dish is a staple at my home. I usually serve it topped with smoked salmon; and therefore, omitting the pancetta (or bacon) from the original recipe.

So, if you want to make the original dish, add 150 g of chopped pancetta or bacon and fry together with the onion until slightly crisp.

Recipe: Penne al Vodka

Serves 4

500 g penne rigate
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
750g canned, peeled tomatoes
300 g tomato sauce
100 ml vodka
20 fresh basil leaves, chopped
150 g creme double (alternatively, creme fraiche)
200 g smoked salmon, chopped
salt, pepper
additional basil leaves for topping

Heat olive oil over medium-low heat in a large skillet. Fry the onion until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.

In a bowl, using a masher, crush the tomatoes.

Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, and vodka to the skillet and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.

In the meantime, bring abundant salted water to boil in a large saucepan. Cook the pasta according to the instructions (for about 9-13 minutes), until al dente.

Stir the creme double into the tomato sauce.

Drain the pasta and add to the tomato sauce. Stir in until the pasta is fully immersed in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.

Distribute the pasta over four plates, top with some fresh basil leaves and the smoked salmon.

Enjoy!