Monday, March 14, 2011

Easy Entertaining

Having people over doesn't have to be stressful. My sister and her boyfriend were coming over for dinner last Saturday night, so what better to prepare than Penne alla Vodka. Here is an easy dinner that has a nice presentation and a wonderful wow factor. Well, technically I made Rigatoni alla Vodka because that is the pasta I always have on hand but either way this is a dish everyone is sure to enjoy.



VODKA SAUCE
1 quart Simple Tomato Sauce
1 cup vodka
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1 pound of Pasta
16 oz Pancetta (chopped into small cubes)

In a large deep pan or pot simmer your tomato sauce and vodka over low heat for about 20 minutes, the mixture should reduce by 1/4. Add cream and simmer until heated through. Add your Parmesan into the sauce mixture, stir so that the cheese is melted and well blended. While the tomato and vodka sauce reduces, start browning your Pancetta. Add your chopped Pancetta to a hot medium size skillet, reduce to a low to medium heat. Cook the Pancetta until browned and crispy about 10 to 12 minutes.

After you add the cream to your sauce, its time to start your water for the pasta. Bring your water to a boil, add salt and then add your pasta. Your pasta should take about 7 to 9 minutes to cook. Cook pasta until al dente, tender but still firm. Drain your pasta and then transfer to the finished sauce, toss and coat.


Just in case you do not have a simple tomato sauce, here is a quick and easy recipe.
Simple Tomato Sauce 
2 tbsp virgin olive oil
1 small onion
2 cloves garlic
2 (32-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
4 to 6 basil leaves
a few shakes of oregano
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper


Throw all the ingredients into a food processor and puree. In a large pot add your tomato sauce, bring to a boil and then turn the heat down to a simmer, simmer uncovered for at least an hour. I usually make two batches at a time and then freeze 1/2 so the next time a recipe calls for tomato sauce I have it on had. Once you've had the real thing, jar or canned sauce just won't do.

Pour your sauce and pasta into a large serving bowl, sprinkle with Pancetta. Since I knew not everyone was a fan of Pancetta, I didn't sprinkle it over the entire pasta and had a separate bowl with the remainder. I wish I had a few more pictures to show you but this was such an amazing dish I just couldn't wait to give it a try. 

Ciao

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