Mixed Seafood Penne alla Vodka Recipe

Introduction

Mixed Seafood Penne alla Vodka is a decadent and flavorful Italian-American pasta dish that brings together shrimp, scallops, and crab in a rich, creamy vodka-infused tomato sauce. This dish elevates the classic Penne alla Vodka by adding the delicate sweetness of seafood, creating a luxurious, restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for special occasions or a gourmet weeknight dinner.

The beauty of this recipe lies in the balance of flavors and textures. Tender pasta is coated in a creamy tomato sauce, while the seafood adds a savory and slightly sweet contrast. The vodka enhances the tomato flavor, giving the sauce a subtle depth and smoothness. With a sprinkle of fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese, this dish is both elegant and comforting—a true crowd-pleaser.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Mixed Seafood Penne alla Vodka because it combines luxurious seafood flavors with creamy pasta perfection. Each bite is a harmony of textures—the al dente penne, silky sauce, and tender shrimp, scallops, and crab. The vodka sauce gives it a rich, sophisticated flavor without being heavy, making it indulgent yet balanced.

What makes this dish special is its versatility: you can adjust the types of seafood, add vegetables, or tweak the spice level. It’s a dish that feels impressive and gourmet, yet is approachable enough to make at home. Every time I make it, it feels like a special celebration in a bowl.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Mixed Seafood Penne alla Vodka is a must-try because:

• Luxurious and flavorful: Combines creamy vodka sauce with tender seafood.
• Elegant presentation: Perfect for entertaining guests or special occasions.
• Quick and approachable: Ready in under 35 minutes with straightforward ingredients.
• Versatile: Can be customized with different seafood, vegetables, or spice levels.

It’s a dish that feels gourmet yet is simple to prepare, making it a favorite for anyone who loves seafood and creamy pasta.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~700 calories per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• Salt, for pasta water

For the Seafood

• ½ lb (225 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ lb (225 g) scallops
• ½ lb (225 g) lump crab meat
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Vodka Sauce

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup vodka
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cook the Penne:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente.
   • Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Cook the Seafood:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Season shrimp and scallops with salt and pepper.
   • Sear scallops for 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and golden; remove and set aside.
   • Sauté shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through; remove and set aside.
   • Gently fold in crab meat at the end to warm through.
3. Prepare the Vodka Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
   • Sauté onion until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
   • Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Pour in vodka and simmer 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
   • Stir in crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes, if using.
   • Simmer for 5–7 minutes until sauce thickens.
4. Finish with Cream and Cheese:
   • Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream.
   • Add Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   • Add cooked penne to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
   • Add reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
6. Add Seafood:
   • Gently fold in shrimp, scallops, and crab meat.
7. Serve:
   • Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.

How to Serve

• Serve hot immediately.
• Pair with garlic bread or a simple mixed green salad.
• Optionally drizzle with olive oil or a squeeze of lemon for freshness.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh seafood for the best flavor.
• Avoid overcooking shrimp and scallops; they should be tender, not rubbery.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
• Toss pasta immediately with sauce to ensure even coating.

Variations

1. Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes for heat.
2. Vegetable Boost: Include spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes.
3. Cheesy Variation: Add extra Parmesan or Pecorino Romano.
4. Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
5. Mixed Protein: Include chicken or sausage alongside seafood.

Freezing and Storage

• Vodka Sauce: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; freeze for up to 1 month.
• Cooked Pasta with Sauce: Best served fresh; reheating may alter texture.
• Seafood: Best cooked fresh; avoid freezing cooked seafood in sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet for sauce and seafood
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Grater for Parmesan cheese

Conclusion

Mixed Seafood Penne alla Vodka is a luxurious, creamy, and elegant pasta dish that perfectly combines tender pasta, savory seafood, and rich vodka sauce. Quick enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for special occasions, it’s a must-try for seafood and pasta lovers. The combination of flavors, textures, and vibrant presentation makes it a dish that delights every palate.

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Mixed Seafood Penne alla Vodka Recipe

Author: admin Cuisine: American, Italian Courses: Pasta

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 35 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 700 calories per serving

Description

Mixed Seafood Penne alla Vodka is a decadent and flavorful Italian-American pasta dish that brings together shrimp, scallops, and crab in a rich, creamy vodka-infused tomato sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g)
• Salt, for pasta water

For the Seafood

• ½ lb (225 g)
• ½ lb (225 g)
• ½ lb (225 g)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Vodka Sauce

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz)
• ½ cup vodka
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Penne: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Cook the Seafood: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp and scallops with salt and pepper. Sear scallops for 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and golden; remove and set aside. Sauté shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through; remove and set aside. Gently fold in crab meat at the end to warm through.
3. Prepare the Vodka Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in vodka and simmer 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes, if using. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until sauce thickens.
4. Finish with Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked penne to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
6. Add Seafood: Gently fold in shrimp, scallops, and crab meat.
7. Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.

Keywords: Mixed Seafood Penne alla Vodka