Mom Amore was my mother-in-law and not only was she fabulous; she also knew how to cook. For my bridal shower, she shared the prized Amore Family Penna alla Vodka sauce recipe that she had spent several years refining.

This sauce makes enough for two large pots of pasta. I typically use half of the batch right away for 1lb. of pasta and then freeze the rest to use a month later. This recipe never fails and is a crowd-pleaser. I make it for every kind of occasion. It’s great for a family dinner or dinner party.

Mom Amore gave this recipe to me with love and I share it with you with love.

Ingredients

1 stick of butter (salted or unsalted)

¼ lb. prosciutto cut up into bite size pieces

3 cloves crushed garlic

Handful fresh basil

1 28 oz. can good quality crushed tomatoes

1 pint heavy cream

1 cup vodka (I use mid priced vodka)

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a large saucepan, slowly melt 1 stick of butter, add the garlic and basil. Sauté well.
  2. Add the prosciutto to the butter sauce. Sauté together.
  3. Add the large can of crushed tomatoes. Cook slowly for 15 – 20 minutes on low heat. When sauce bubbles add the pint of heavy cream and the cup of vodka.
  4. Cook on low heat for 45 minutes more.

As she wrote: “this is truly yummy!”

Suggested Wine Pairing

Family dinner: Soave white wine. This is a delicious and affordable wine from the Veneto region of Italy made from the Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave grapes. Try the Monte Tondo 2012 Garganega (Soave Classico) for about $15 and 89 points from Wine Enthusiast. (http://buyingguide.winemag.com/catalog/monte-tondo-2012-italian-white-garganega-soave-classico)

Dinner party: Chianti Classico Riserva for around $25-$50 a bottle depending on your budget. A personal favorite is Castella di Bossi 2009 Berardo Riserva Sangiovese (Chianti Classico) for $35 a bottle and 93 points from Wine Enthusiast. (http://buyingguide.winemag.com/catalog/castello-bossi-2009-berardo-riserva-sangiovese-chianti-classico)

6 Comments on Amore Penne alla Vodka

  1. Jennifer Miles
    January 27, 2015 at 1:46 pm (9 years ago)

    Your mother-in-law was amazing gift and I was blessed to have spent time with her. We will toast to her while enjoying this treat!! Thank you and good luck with the site… It looks fun!

    Reply
    • admin
      February 5, 2015 at 3:32 pm (9 years ago)

      Thank you! She was incredibly special 🙂

      Reply
      • Elisa Esposito
        April 8, 2015 at 10:18 pm (9 years ago)

        She was one of my favorite people. I’ve eaten that dish!!!

        Reply
  2. Claudia Alba
    April 9, 2015 at 3:17 am (9 years ago)

    I spent many occasions enjoying this recipe with my very special friend. It was a delicious sauce and always made with love.

    Reply
  3. Judy Cassano
    April 26, 2015 at 2:44 am (9 years ago)

    . Some of my fondest memories is of Donna and I sharing some cooking during the holidays. She was an amazing cook, hostess but most of all a wonderful sister. Enjoy the Penne!!!!!!

    Reply
  4. Rolland Mcclennon
    July 3, 2018 at 2:04 am (6 years ago)

    Good web site! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your RSS feed which must do the trick! Have a great day!

    Reply

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