Penne With Vodka Sauce And Mini Meatballs Recipes

Steps:

• To cook in a slow cooker: Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add the oil. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides to create a beautiful crust, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer the meatballs to a plate. Deglaze the pan with the vodka and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom. Transfer the liquid from the pan to a slow cooker.
• Add the marinara sauce, heavy cream, salt and pepper to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Add the meatballs. Cook on high until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is thickened slightly, 2 to 4 hours. When ready to serve, top with fresh cheese and torn basil leaves.
• To cook on the stove top: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat and add the oil. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides to create a beautiful crust, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer the meatballs to a plate, leaving behind as much of the oil in the pot as possible. Add the vodka and cook for about 30 seconds to deglaze the pot, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom.
• Add the marinara sauce, heavy cream, salt and pepper and stir to combine. Turn the heat to low, return the meatballs back to the pot and simmer until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is thickened slightly, 30 to 45 minutes. When ready to serve, top with fresh cheese and torn basil leaves.

Steps:

• Cook the pasta according to package directions.
• Saute the garlic and onions in 2 tablespoons butter and the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat until soft. Pour in the vodka, being careful if your stove has an open flame (remove the pan from the heat before adding). Cook and reduce for 2 to 3 minutes, then pour in the tomato puree. Stir the mixture until it's thoroughly combined, then reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine, then turn heat to the lowest simmer possible. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and add salt and pepper to taste. Finally, stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Pour the drained pasta into the sauce and toss to combine. Sprinkle on the Parmesan, then sprinkle on more red pepper flakes if desired.