Penne Ala Vodka Recipe for #SundaySupper Showers

I was so excited for this weeks #SundaySupper hosted by Brandie at Home Cooking Memories. For once, I didn't have a second thought as what I would cook for this weeks event. Today, I dedicate this post to one of my best friends, Darlynn, who is getting married in less than 4 weeks!!

Darlynn's Bridal Shower 3/2013

Long story short - I met Darlynn in 2001. I was her banker, she was a local famous radio personality. After seeing her credit cards, knowing we had duplicate debt in our 20's, I knew we would be instant friends. Fast Forward to 2013, we are a few weeks away to her dream wedding. She is marrying her childhood friend Steve, who I refer to as my brother. I cannot wait for this big day!!

When it came time to plan her bridal shower, I knew instantly what I was going to make for her special day. Not only did I want this to be perfect for her, favorite foods had to be involved. I had to show respect to Penne Ala Vodka. This was the dish she cooked me for the first time when we were flat mates. The dish she made for my family when my father passed away. The same dish we made when we were crying over boyfriends, cheering over new crushes or most importantly, celebrating life.

PENNE ALA VODKA

Over time, I have made a few personal touches on this recipe but it will always belong to Dalrynn. I truly believe, if she didn't force me into eating this while watching Sex in the City circa 2002, I would probably still think I hated tomatoes.  I made this recipe for Darlynn's bridal shower for 40 people a month ago. When the sauce is cooked the night before, it makes for easy travel and you can even create a DIY pasta bar!

Penne Ala Vodka Recipe
modified from Darlynn Nangano

For a family of four:
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1/2 vidalia onion, diced
Crushed red pepepr to taste
2 cans of diced tomatoes
1/4 cup Vodka - Have fun with the flavors of vodka, you can use basil, tomato, or peppar flavored vodka
1/2 cup Parmesan (freshly shredded) cheese
1 cup heavy whipping cream
Fresh Basil for garnish
POTATO MASHER OR HAND BLENDER

Directions:
Add the diced onion to the olive oil and sautee for 5 minutes or until oniPons are translucent.
Add crushed red pepper to taste
While the onions are cooking, drain the juice from the diced tomato cans. This is probably the most important step of this recipe. You have to make sure the juice from the can is not existent when adding to the pot.
Simmer the tomatoes in the onion mix for 30 minutes. If you are using a potato masher, "moosh" the mixture while cooking. If using a hand blender, mix halfway through the 30 minutes.
Add the next three ingredients, stir frequently, 30 minutes on low heat. "Moosh" the sauce if using a potato masher. if using the hand mixer, blend when the 30 minutes is complete. Make sure you keep eye on the sauce as the cheese can burn.

Serve over penne pasta, top with fresh basil, crushed red pepper and freshly grated parm cheese. Next week, I will not be taking part in #SundaySupper as I will be in Savannah celebrating Darlynn at her "bacherlorette party" - that makes me feel too young saying that!

Let's check out the rest of the #SundaySupper recipes for showers celebrating those we love.
Starters, Appetizers & Snacks

• Pesto Tortilla Pinwheels from Home Cooking Memories
• Honey Pecan Baked Brie from Supper for a Steal
• Pinenut stuffed Dates from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Glazed Pecans from Mama’s Blissful Bites
• Bloody Mary Shrimp Cocktail from A Stack of Dishes
• Mini Curry Chicken Salad Phyllo Cups from The Weekend Gourmet
• Mushroom and Feta Bites from Small Wallet, Big Appetite
• Antipasti Bites from Blueberries And Blessings
• Spinach Dip in a Pumpernickel Bowl from The Foodie Patootie
• Parmesan and Mushroom Focaccia from Basic N Delicious

Soups, Salads & Sandwiches

• London Ritz’s Tea Sandwiches from My Cute Bride
• Mini Shrimp & Egg Salad Sandwiches from The ROXX Box
• Broccoli Bacon Salad from Country Girl In The Village
• Chicken Salad on Endive from Magnolia Days
• Creamy Asparagus Soup Shooters with Shrimp from Gourmet Drizzles
• Alphabet Soup from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings

Main Dishes

• Savory Cheesy Kale Tart with Chiles from Shockingly Delicious
• Penne Ala Vodka from I Run For Wine
• Easy Baked Ziti from Momma’s Meals
• French Country Flat Pie from Webicurean
• Crustless Spinach Quiche from Family Foodie

Cakes

• Vanilla Cake with White Chocolate Buttercream from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Strawberry Shortcake Push Pops from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Mini Vanilla Bean Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting from Damn Delicious
• Coconut Rum Cake from The Foodie Army Wife
• No Bake Lemon Cheesecakes Shots {Two Ways} from Cravings of a Lunatic
• Japanese Wedding Cupcakes from NinjaBaking.com
• Baby Blue Cake Pops from Neighborfood
• Strawberry Buttermilk Scones from Vintage Kitchen

Cookies, Brownies & Dessert Bars

• Lemon Sandwich Cookies with Pink Lemon Curd from The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
• Chocolate Covered Mcaroons from Gotta Get Baked
• Pastel Pizzelles from Growing Up Gabel
• Chocolate-Balsamic Macaroons from Foxes Love Lemons
• Raspberry Lemonade Thumbprint Cookies from In The Kitchen With KP
• Baklava Crisps from Kudos Kitchen by Renee
• Healthy Chocolate Bars with Fruit, Nuts & Coconut from Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
• Fudgy Carob Brownies from Pies and Plots
• Pistachio Biscotti from Curious Cuisiniere

Sweet Treats

• Shortbread Maple Cream Freezer Tart from A Beautiful Bite
• Espresso Panna Cotta from Crazy Foodie Stunts
• Bite-Size Pecan Tarts from Juanita’s Cocina
• Brigadeiros from Food Lust People Love
• Rosewater Raspberry Meringues from girlichef

Drink Recipes

• Slushy Mango Mojito from The Urban Mrs.
• Pretty in Pink Punch from Noshing With The Nolands
• Pink Lemonade from Peanut Butter and Peppers

Want even more #SundaySupper? Follow our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for recipes that are sure to impress!