Published January 13, 2023.This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
This incredibly easy-to-prepare Penne Alla Vodka is one of the most flavorful kinds of pasta with penne pasta tossed in a tomato-vodka cream sauce. You will be blown away at these delicious this dish is.
If you love pasta and exploring new flavors, you should try my Pasta Pomodoro or Pasta Carbonara.
Penne Alla Vodka
Penne alla vodka is a pasta dish featuring penne pasta tossed in a tomato and cream-based sauce with vodka. This pasta is the dish that made me fall in love with pasta. Since I was a kid, I only had spaghetti and meatballs. There are a few variations to this recipe depending on where you are eating it, and who is making it. Classically there will be pancetta, onions, and chiles in the sauce.
The origins of this pasta are contested by a couple of different sources who claim they created the dish. First, Orsini restaurant in New York City claims they invented the dish in the 1970s. Second, a Columbia University graduate also said he made it in the 1980s. Then, finally, in Italy, there are two cookbooks written by Italian authors who say they created the vodka sauce. Regardless of where it came from, I can assure you, that you are in for a treat.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Tomatoes – I prefer to use whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes, or freshly canned tomatoes, that are then crushed by hand.
- Pork – Pancetta is best to use. However, you can use guanciale, bacon, or prosciutto.
- Onions – Yellow, white, or sweet onions will work.
- Chiles – A spicy red pepper that is seeded, such as a Fresno or red finger pepper, will work.
- Cheese – You can use pecorino Romano or Parmesan Reggiano.
- Cream – Full fat heavy whipping cream is used in the sauce.
- Oil – Always use a good expeller-pressed olive oil.
- Pasta – Penne rigate or regular penne will work in this pasta recipe.
- Vodka – You can use any brand of vodka
How to Make Penne Alla Vodka
Add the oil to a large saucepan over low to medium heat and heat it up for 1 to 2 minutes.
Next, add the pancetta and cook until it becomes crispy and browned. This will take about 5 to 7 minutes.
Remove the pancetta and set it to the side.
Add the onions to the pan with the hot oil and cook while frequently stirring until browned. This will take about 8 to 10 minutes.
Next, add in the peppers and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the pancetta back to the pan and stir to combine.
Turn the heat to low and deglaze with the vodka. Then, turn the heat up to medium.
Stir and cook the vodka until the amount of liquid is reduced to a few tablespoons.
Pour the tomatoes and cook for 8 to 10 minutes to reduce the liquid. See the video for what to look for. Turn the heat off.
Drop the penne pasta into a large pot of salted water and cook for 7 to 8 minutes or until al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, add the cream to the tomato sauce and salt and pepper, and stir to combine. Set aside.
Drain the pasta and add it to the saucepan.
Add pecorino Romano cheese, fresh basil, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
You may need to add ½ cup of hot pasta water to help loosen up the pasta.
Serve the pasta with additional cheese and crushed red pepper flakes
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make-Ahead:This is meant to be eaten as soon as it is finished being made.
How to Store:Cover the pasta and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This will not freeze well.
How to Reheat:Add the desired amount of pasta to a medium-sized saucepot and add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water. Heat over low to medium heat while stirring with a spoon until hot. Adjust seasonings and serve.
Chef Notes + Tips
- If you are using prosciutto, use 2 ounces instead of the full 4 with pancetta.
- There is no substitute for vodka. If you can’t have alcohol or do not have access to it, skip it or deglaze with a tablespoon or two of water.
- Substitute the fresh chiles with 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Al dente means to the tooth. The pasta should be firm but not hard or chalky.
- Cooking time can be saved if you drop the pasta while cooking the tomatoes.
More Pasta Recipes
- Gnocchi
- Ravioli
- Pasta alla Gricia
- Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Algio E Olio
Video
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Penne Alla Vodka Recipe
5 from 86 votes
This incredibly easy-to-prepare Penne Alla Vodka is one of the most flavorful pastas out there with penne pasta tossed in a tomato-vodka cream sauce.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ pound large diced pancetta
- 1 peeled and small diced yellow onion
- 1 seeded and small diced fresno pepper
- ¼ cup vodka
- 28 ounces whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup shredded pecorino Romano cheese + more for garnish
- 4 torn fresh basil leaves
- 1 pound dry penne rigate
- sea salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Add the oil to a large saucepan over low to medium heat and heat it up for 1 to 2 minutes.
Next, add in the pancetta and cook it until it becomes crispy and browned. This will take about 5 to 7 minutes.
Remove the pancetta and set it to the side.
In the pan with the hot oil, add in the onions and cook while frequently stirring until browned. This will take about 8 to 10 minutes.
Next, add in the peppers and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the pancetta back to the pan and stir to combine.
Turn the heat to low and deglaze with the vodka. Then, turn the heat up to medium.
Stir and cook the vodka down until the amount of liquid is reduced to a few tablespoons.
Pour in the tomatoes and cook for 8 to 10 minutes to reduce the amount of liquid. See the video for what to look for. Turn the heat off.
Drop the penne pasta into a large pot of boiling salted water and cook for 7 to 8 minutes or until al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, add the cream to the tomato sauce, along with salt and pepper, and stir to combine. Set aside.
Drain the pasta and add it to the saucepan.
Add in pecorino Romano cheese, fresh basil, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
You may need to add in ½ cup of hot pasta water to help loosen up the pasta.
Serve the pasta with additional cheese and crushed red pepper flakes
Notes
Make-Ahead:This is meant to be eaten as soon as it is finished being made.
How to Store:Cover the pasta and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This will not freeze well.
How to Reheat:Add the desired amount of pasta to a medium-sized saucepot and add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water. Heat over low to medium heat while stirring with a spoon until hot. Adjust seasonings and serve.
If you are using prosciutto, use 2 ounces instead of the full 4 with pancetta.
There is no substitute for vodka. If you can’t have alcohol or do not have access to it, skip it or deglaze with a tablespoon or two of water.
Substitute the fresh chiles with 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
Al dente means to the tooth. The pasta should be firm but not hard or chalky.
Cooking time can be saved if you drop the pasta while cooking the tomatoes.
Nutrition
Calories: 932kcalCarbohydrates: 98gProtein: 26gFat: 45gSaturated Fat: 21gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 99mgSodium: 646mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 6gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 1229IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 267mgIron: 4mg
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Author: Chef Billy Parisi
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132 comments
- Maria
Came out great every time.
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- Jacqueline
Do you licious would definitely make this again. Delicious would definitely make this again.
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- Pat
Made this and it was “dang” amazing!
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- Carmen
Loved this recipe!
So easy and simple to follow!
Delicious!- Reply
- Maggie Regan
Oh my! I always thought that pasta was boring! How wrong can you be? I have tried 17 of your recipes to date and have only messed up once! (I was tired and didn’t read it correctly! I think it was Portuguese tarts). I am not normally a ‘gushy’ type but as a content creator myself, I know how difficult it is to keep up a good and interesting standard. It looks so easy but I know it isn’t! You are going to be a star Billy and it is well deserved. I think you should try making Yorkshire Puddings! A Northern English traditional Sunday dinner dish to serve with Roast Beef. I am renowned for mine in a small family circle and no one gets my recipe. They come out huge and crispy on top and just a little stodgy on the bottom. Go on Billy, try them! Best wishes to you and yours. Stay safe.
I
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- Ninoska F.S.
Love how simple, easy and rapid one can serve a delicious meal! My family was satisfied and no one came short on taste and sauce! I made for 7 persons recipe… it was delicious!
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- Traci Calabrese-Meyer
I recently tried a penne à la vodka recipe, and it was absolutely superb. The dish combined perfectly cooked penne pasta with a luscious vodka-infused tomato cream sauce, resulting in a truly delectable dining experience.
The sauce was the star of the show, with its rich and creamy texture complemented by a tantalizing hint of vodka, which added a unique depth of flavor. The sauce coated each penne noodle beautifully, ensuring that every bite was bursting with savory goodness.
The dish was topped off with a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, adding a delightful salty kick that enhanced the overall flavor profile.
In conclusion, this penne à la vodka recipe was a delightful culinary experience that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a comforting and indulgent pasta dish. It’s definitely a recipe that I’ll be using again and again!
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- Lesley Leblanc
I loved this one but ALL Billy’s recipes are amazing! I feel like a pro every time! I so enjoy all of this recipes from start to finish!
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- sue😁
Thank you 😋😁ChefBilly
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- sue😁
Delicious thank you ChefBilly 😁😋
- Reply
- sue😁
Thank you so appreciate your tasty recipes Chef Billy😁😋
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- sue😁
Thank you ChefBilly delicious 😋 😁
- Reply
- sue😁
thank you ChefBilly the tasties recipe 😁😋
- Reply
- sue😁
Such a tasty recipe ChefBilly thank you so much 😁😋
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- sue🤤
Thank you ChefBilly so appreciate your recipes so tasty 😋 😊
- Reply
- sue😁
Thankyou ChefBilly so tasty are the recipe..recipes 😋😊
- Reply
- sue🤤
Thank you ChefBilly tasty 😋😁
- Reply
- sue😁
Yum oh thank you ChefBilly fantastic recipe you have created ☺️😋
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- Michael Crupain
Thanks for sharing this delightful post about Penne Alla Vodka! It’s fascinating to learn about the different origins and variations of this beloved dish. As a chef myself and the author of ‘Power Five Cookbook,’ I appreciate the passion behind perfecting pasta recipes. Whether it’s the classic version or a unique twist, there’s always something special about enjoying a well-made Penne Alla Vodka. Keep the culinary inspiration coming!
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Appreciate your comments. Thank you.
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- Shawn Fox
Love this. Made it several times.
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- Gloria Mason
Love how easy the instructions are and how delicious the dish is.
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many thanks!
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- Grandma
I’m a true follower and we love so many of your recipe. Delicious!
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- DJ Posner
Absolutely restaurant-quality result! Loved it. You chef Billy made it easy!
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- Joann Reyes
Awesome recipe! Great directions and. So delicious! My family loved this dinner!
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- Claudia G
It eas great !
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- Marcia
Awesome
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- Joe Tazioli
Off the chain!!!! I did add prosciutto in addition to the pancetta and as always plenty of fresh garlic.
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- Vickie Davis
Oh my goodness—-DELICIOUS ♥️‼️
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- Jim
Tried this last night and it was great. Easy recipe to follow with outstanding results.
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- Leslie White
Absolutely wonderful!! And so easy!! Thank you for sharing! I’ve made many of your recipes and have loved each one
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- Katena
Restaurant quality!
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- Julie Ucci
I make Billy’s recipe for Penne Alla Vodka and it is Awesome!! Very easy to make and Deeelish!!
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- Pam Rowe
Simple but tasty. Thankyou
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- Maureen
We love this recipe! We make it often, it’s easy and delicious! Better than any restaurant!! *****
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- Char
Amazing that vodka can give this such a flavor. Love your recipes ♥️
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- Yen
awsome recipe. it is my family favourite now.
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- Karen Soter
My 17 Year old daughter makes this often. Easy and taste great!
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- CJ
I love love love your recipes! Wish you could give recipe amounts for 1/2 servings.
I would love to try your recipes, but i just cook for one. Thanks- Reply
- Donna
You can adjust the recipe when you go to print the recipe, simply by changing the serving size. It will adjust the ingredients amount, just remember the amounts embedded in the instructions don’t change.
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- Julie Ms. Graves
amazing and easy to make… this a family favorite!
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- Mike Guacci
Excellent recipe
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- Donna Antaramian
I pickup everything to make this tomorrow (1/10/2024) but undecided it I will make the whole recipe or half. I am 1 person so made 4 servings is way too much. Can I freeze the sauce that I dont use?
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- Donna
Never mind, I just made the recipe.
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- Pamela Miller
Very simple recipe with a great taste. Love your videos.
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- Sheila Werkin
Delish!!
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- Tracey
This is outstanding. Very easy to make and so very delicious!!!
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- Patrick Dailey
Penne alla vodka sauce. I made this for the first time a few weeks ago. Wonderful flavor is unique to any other pasta dish I’ve made. Will make it again.
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amazing!
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- Laura
Another five star recipe from Chef Billy Paris! So, so good. I found where to buy Marzano tomatoes and they are amazing! This is the third Penne Vodka recipe that I’ve tried and by far the best.
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fantastic
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- Kirsten Klein
This recipe is awesome! I have made it several times for my family, and they rave about it! I even grilled some Cajun chicken to put on top!
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thanks for giving it a shot!!
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- Letty
Amazing and delicious!
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so good!!
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- Marilyn Lauricella
It was great. Will fix it again.
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- Steve
This is a fantastic recipe! I have made it several times and it has become a family and friends favorite. Leftovers keep and reheat well, BUT do not last long.
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Perfect!
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- Theresa
A new favorite, so easy and delicious. Will definitely be making this again.
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- Loraine
***** love it
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- Sharon Keating
Delicious! Will definitely make it again.
- Reply
Thank you so kindly!!
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- Carmela Powers
Simple and delicious!
- Reply
so good!!
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- Kikiya
Another great recipe! You’re the best!
- Reply
thank you so kindly!!
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- Kikiha
Another great recipe!! You’re the best!
- Reply
thanks for giving it a shot!!
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- Melissa Holtz
Easy to follow recipe and quite easy to make! Was absolutely delicious and my picky daughter even loved it! Leftovers the next day were even better!!
Thank you for sharing this and all of your other wonderful recipes! I have made quite a few and they never disappoint and are always consistently outstanding! Chicken Tinga was absolutely delicious too and so fun to make!- Reply
thank you so kindly!!
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- colleen whitney
This is a favorite of my son when we eat out and he rated this top notch!
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Awesome!
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- Colleen
Delicious! My son loves Penne Alla Vodka and this did not disappoint! We like light spice so I used red pepper flake and it was great. Thank you Chef Billy!
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so good!!
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- Denise
I made this recipe and it was wonderful! If I need an Italian recipe I always use Billy Parisi’s web site for advice and direction…
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Thank you!
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- Kim
Delicious
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Thank you!
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- Julie Nault
Délicieux
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Excellent!
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- Aura Acosta
Thus is the best recipe. My husband loves Penne a la vodka. Thank you so much
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Excellent!
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- Maggie
Best Vodka Sauce I’ve ever made
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Love it!
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- Shawn Fox
Made this several times
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thank you so kindly!!
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- Pat
The best pasta ever. Used your perfect roasted chicken breast recipe and add it to the sauce. Now one of my favorite Italian dishes
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That’s awesome!
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- Stephanie Figueroa
Delicious!!!
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Thank you!
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- Lori J.
I made this recipe on Saturday, April 22nd, 2023 for the first time; served to Kyle, Cliff and myself. Recipe is simple to follow; I could not get pancetta so I used a good bacon. Also couldn’t find a fresno pepper, so substituted with a jalapeno. Very flavourful; I liked the creaminess of the sauce and the Pecorino was a nice change, for me, from parmigiana.
I will try this recipe again when I can find pancetta and will continue to look for fresno peppers. I would rate this recipe 8/10 (my own personal critique).
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Great. Next time for sure use the recommended ingredients, I can imagine the jalapeño was a bit overpowering.
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- Kat Rauchett
By far the best of the best its my absolute favorite. Thank you chef for posting your recipe
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Appreciate you!
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- Deb
Excellent!
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thanks for giving it a shot!!
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- Ti Ha
Easy and delicious.
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so good!!
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- Michael Shocik
I made this and it was delicious, and it even looked just like the picture!!!
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Awesome!
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- Barbara Metcalfe
Fantastic and easy to make!!!
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Yes!
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- Steve Black
One of our favorite Chef Billy recipes. I use bacon and it is a phenomenal recipe! Easy to make and tastes fantastic!
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Thank you!
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- Am
Wonderful recipe!
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- Keith Raftery
Phenomenal recipe and so many ways to improvise with this sauce. Went on a kick deglazing my onions with vodka in every sauce I made😂.
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Thanks for giving it a shot!!
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- Chris
Excellent!!
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Thanks for trying it.
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- Dinna McCartney
Love this recipe. Thank you! You’re my favorite 😍
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I appreciate the love
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- Donnamarie
This is a great WOW tasting recipe!!! I really love how Billy leads, teaches and guides me through the entire process of preparing it. Food is so expensive today, I’m afraid of trying new things because I can’t afford to throw away food. Billy gives me confidence that I’ll be successful.
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- Marlo
Delicious! I made this for guests this past weekend and they loved it.
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awesome
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- Kaye McNamara
Absolutely delicious and recipe was VERY easy to follow! Amazing how good food tastes when it’s prepared correctly!
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so good!!
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- Michelle Moss
I made this without the bacon because i didn’t have any in the house however it was so damn good, i made it twice – this is def going into my favourites. Here in Portugal, very difficult to find heavy cream, so i used mascarpone and it was amazing. It’s the vodka that gives it an amazing flavour.
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One of my all-time favorites. Great job on making it work for you.
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- Lynda
Yummy and easy !
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- Pat
Fantastic
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- Bev
Wonderfu! The recipe was explained so well, it couldn’t not turn out!
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- Jayne Benevides
Love the that he teaches techniques! I’ve applied so many of them over the months of watching and learning on FB! All the recipes I’ve tried are fabulous! Thanks Billy!
- Reply
- Maureen
Yes! We made it tonight. Quick, easy, and delicious! Thank you!!❤️
- Reply
- Dianne
Wonderful recipe. Easy and pretty easy. Thank you chef🥰
- Reply
- Barbara Leary
Fabulous,delicious!
Your recipes are always very welcoming.- Reply
- Bradley Searl
Excellent
- Reply
- Lucie
Always amazing! Your recipes are fried and true. Even as a professional chef, I love the content! Many thanks.
- Reply
- Aaron
Just made this tonight…AMAZING! So delicious. Couldn’t find any pancetta, substituted thick cut bacon and it worked beautifully!
Whole family loved it…this will be a new family staple.- Reply
- Sister Barbara
Hi Chef Billy,
Just a quick question please.
Can I just make the Vodka Sauce, then freeze it for use at a later date?
Thank you. Blessings!
Sister Barbara Aydelotte sfcc- Reply
I think you could. You may need to loosen it up when reheating.
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