Baked Penne Alla Vodka With Turkey

Baked Penne Alla Vodka With Turkey

Craving a comforting, hearty pasta dish with a little grown-up twist? This Baked Penne Alla Vodka With Turkey recipe brings together the velvety richness of a vodka-infused tomato sauce and the lean, savoury goodness of ground turkey. Whether you're cooking for family, a cosy date night, or meal-prepping for the week, this easy-to-follow guide will walk you through every delicious step.

Why Vodka and Turkey?

The combination of vodka and turkey in pasta may sound unconventional, but trust us—it works beautifully. The vodka helps release and blend the flavours in the tomatoes and cream, giving the sauce a depth you can’t achieve otherwise. Meanwhile, turkey is a fantastic, lighter alternative to beef or pork, offering high protein with lower fat content. It makes this baked dish just indulgent enough, without being heavy.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for this Baked Penne Alla Vodka With Turkey:

• 350g penne pasta

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 400g ground turkey

• 1 tsp chilli flakes (optional)

• 200ml vodka

• 400g tinned chopped tomatoes

• 2 tbsp tomato purée

• 150ml double cream

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 100g grated mozzarella

• 50g grated Parmesan

• Fresh basil for garnish

This combination ensures every bite is infused with the creamy, spicy tang of vodka and the rich, lean texture of turkey.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Begin by preheating your oven to 190°C (fan-assisted). Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne until al dente—about 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey

In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. Now, add the ground turkey and cook until browned all over. Season with salt, pepper, and chilli flakes if you like a kick.

The savoury aroma of turkey blending with onion and garlic at this stage is utterly inviting.

Step 3: Add the Vodka

Once the turkey is browned, pour in the vodka and let it simmer for 5–6 minutes. This allows the alcohol to cook off while leaving behind that distinct depth of flavour. It’s this step that sets the sauce apart from your average tomato base.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato purée, stirring well. Simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Pour in the double cream and mix until the sauce becomes velvety and orange-hued. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

The addition of vodka at this stage binds the richness of the tomatoes with the silkiness of cream—perfect with turkey.

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Step 5: Combine and Bake

Stir the cooked penne into the sauce until well coated. Transfer everything to a large baking dish. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly. The cheese should form a lightly crisp, golden crust, sealing in all that vodka and turkey goodness.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, then top with freshly torn basil. Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.

The turkey remains juicy, the vodka adds a subtle tang, and the melted cheese brings it all together in one harmonious dish.

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Tips for Best Results

• Use high-quality vodka—you don’t need the most expensive bottle, but avoid flavoured options.

• Don’t skip the simmering after adding vodka. It’s essential to mellow the alcohol.

• Ground turkey can sometimes be a little dry, so make sure not to overcook it before it goes into the oven.

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Final Thoughts

This Baked Penne Alla Vodka With Turkey recipe offers everything you want from a pasta bake: warmth, comfort, and a bit of indulgence with a healthier twist. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or just starting out, this recipe is a sure way to impress.

Ready to try it for yourself? Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us! Let the delightful pairing of vodka and turkey become your new favourite dinner go-to.

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