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One Pot Penne Alla Vodka With Meatballs

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef
  • ½ C Panko Bread Crumbs
  • 3 Garlic Cloves minced
  • 1 Egg lightly beaten
  • 1 Tbsp Milk
  • 1 Tbsp Oregano
  • Kosher Salt to taste
  • Cracked Black Pepper to taste

For the Pasta

  • 3 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 Medium Yellow Onion chopped
  • 3 Garlic Cloves chopped
  • 1 Tbsp Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1 C Vodka
  • 3 Cans 14.5 oz Fire-Roasted Tomatoes
  • ½ C Heavy Cream
  • ¾ C Parmesan freshly grated
  • 1 Tbsp Oregano
  • Kosher Salt to taste
  • Cracked Black Pepper to taste
  • 1 Box Barilla Pronto Penne Pasta

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Panko, garlic, egg, milk, oregano, salt and pepper and mix by hand until thoroughly combined. Roll into balls around 2 inches wide.
  • In a large, deep skillet over medium heat, add 2 Tbsp of the olive oil, followed by the meatballs and brown for about 7-10 minutes, then remove from the skillet and set aside. Drain excess fat.
  • Add the remaining olive oil, then the onions and cook until they begin turning translucent, around 5 minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for an additional minute. Add the vodka and cook until it reduces by half, then add the tomatoes and combine, cooking for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat, place in a blender and blend until smooth.
  • Return the tomato sauce to the pan and stir in the heavy cream, followed by the Parmesan cheese. Season with the oregano, salt and pepper. Stir in the pasta, then nestle the meatballs back into the sauce, reduce heat to medium low and allow to simmer for 15 minutes, or until the pasta is soft and the meatballs and cooked all the way through. Sprinkle with additional cheese and fresh oregano and serve immediately.