What to Serve with Penne Alla Vodka? 10 BEST Options

Are you debating on what to make for dinner tonight?

Penne alla vodka is a classic Italian dish that never fails to satisfy – but sometimes figuring out the side dishes can be hard.

With so many delicious options, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut!

To help with meal planning dilemmas, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best side dishes for penne alla vodka to create an incredible culinary experience.

Whether you’re looking for something meaty or vegetarian, packed with veggies or carb-filled, you’ll find plenty of mouthwatering choices here!

Let’s dive into these scrumptious sides and take your plate presentation from mediocre to magnificent.

What to Serve with Penne Alla Vodka? 10 BEST Options

1. Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce and Meatballs

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Spaghetti with tomato sauce and meatballs is a classic dish that can be found in restaurants and home kitchens all over the world.

This dish is simple, but so delicious.

The combination of the spaghetti, the tomato sauce and the meatballs makes for a perfect meal.

The spaghetti is cooked al dente, which means it has a firm texture.

The tomato sauce is made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and herbs.

It is seasoned to perfection and has a slightly acidic taste.

The meatballs are made with ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and parsley.

They are juicy and have a great flavor.

There are a few tips that can help you elevate this dish.

First, use high quality ingredients.

This will make a big difference in the taste of the dish.

Second, don’t overcook the spaghetti.

It should be cooked al dente so that it retains its firm texture.

Third, make sure the tomato sauce is well seasoned.

Fourth, let the meatballs cook all the way through so that they are nice and juicy.

Fifth, serve the dish with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.

2. Fettuccine Alfredo

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Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic Italian pasta dish that is made with just a few simple ingredients: pasta, butter, and Parmesan cheese.

The result is a rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

If you’re looking for a dish that is both tasty and easy to make, then look no further than fettuccine Alfredo.

This dish is made with just a few simple ingredients: pasta, butter, and Parmesan cheese.

The result is a rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

There are a few tips that will help you take your fettuccine Alfredo to the next level.

First, be sure to use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.

Second, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of pasta.

Fettuccine is the traditional choice, but you can also use penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti.

Lastly, if you want a bit of extra flavor, try adding some sauteed mushrooms or roasted garlic to the sauce.

3. Cheese Ravioli with Tomato Sauce

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If you’re looking for an easy and delicious weeknight dinner, look no further than cheese ravioli with tomato sauce.

This dish is simple to make but packed with flavor.

The ravioli are soft and pillowy, while the tomato sauce is rich and slightly acidic.

Together, they create a perfect balance of flavors.

To elevate this dish, start by choosing high-quality ingredients.

The ravioli should be made with fresh pasta dough and filled with flavorful cheeses.

For the tomato sauce, use ripe tomatoes that have been slow-roasted to bring out their natural sweetness.

Finally, don’t forget to garnish the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

4. Baked Ziti

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Baked ziti is a classic Italian dish that can be served as a main course or side dish.

It is made with penne pasta, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese.

The pasta is cooked al dente and then baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Baked ziti has a great taste and texture.

The pasta is cooked perfectly al dente and the tomato sauce is rich and flavorful.

The mozzarella cheese adds a nice creaminess to the dish.

The dish can be made even better by adding some chopped vegetables, such as onions, peppers, or mushrooms.

If you want to really elevate your baked ziti, try using freshly made tomato sauce and freshly grated mozzarella cheese.

You can also use other types of pasta, such as rigatoni or shells.

Baked ziti is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your liking.

5. Lasagna

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Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that is loved by many.

It is a dish that is made up of layers of flat pasta, meat, sauce, and cheese.

The dish can be quite heavy and filling, but it is also very delicious.

There are many different ways to make lasagna, and the dish can be customized to your liking.

One of the best things about lasagna is the variety of flavors and textures that you can enjoy in each bite.

The pasta is usually soft and tender, while the meat and sauce are flavorful and hearty.

The cheese adds a lovely creaminess to the dish, and the herbs add a touch of flavor.

If you want to elevate your lasagna dish, there are a few things you can do.

First, you can use high-quality ingredients.

This will make a big difference in the flavor of your dish.

Second, you can experiment with different types of cheese.

A good rule of thumb is to use two or three different kinds of cheese for added complexity.

Lastly, you can try adding some unique ingredients to your sauce or meat mixture.

This could include things like mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even truffle oil.

6. Stuffed Shells

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Stuffed shells are a classic Italian dish that can be made in a variety of ways.

The basic dish consists of large pasta shells that are stuffed with a mixture of cheeses and then baked in a tomato sauce.

The dish can be made with different types of cheese, including ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

The filling can also be seasoned with herbs, such as basil or oregano.

The taste and texture of stuffed shells is creamy and rich.

The pasta is tender, and the filling is cheesy and flavorful.

The dish can be elevated by adding additional ingredients to the filling, such as cooked spinach or ground beef.

The shells can also be topped with shredded cheese or bread crumbs before baking.

Stuffed shells are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or main course.

When served as an appetizer, they can be cut into bite-sized pieces.

For a main course, they can be served with a side salad or garlic bread.

7. Chicken Parmesan

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Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that is beloved by many.

The dish consists of chicken that is breaded and fried, then covered in a tomato sauce and cheese.

It is typically served with pasta, but can also be enjoyed on its own.

The taste of Chicken Parmesan is savory and slightly acidic from the tomato sauce.

The chicken is crispy from the breading, and the cheese adds a creamy element.

The dish can be made even more flavorful by using homemade tomato sauce and freshly grated cheese.

If you want to elevate your Chicken Parmesan, try using quality ingredients like organic chicken, fresh herbs in the tomato sauce, and aged cheese.

You can also experiment with different types of cheese for a unique flavor.

8. Eggplant Parmesan

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Eggplant Parmesan is a classic dish that is loved by many.

The taste and texture of eggplant pairs perfectly with the rich tomato sauce and melted cheese.

This dish can be made even better by following a few simple tips.

When choosing an eggplant for your Eggplant Parmesan, look for one that is dark purple in color and is firm to the touch.

Avoid eggplants that are soft or have bruises.

These eggplants will likely be bitter in taste and will not hold up as well when cooked.

To avoid your Eggplant Parmesan being watery, it is important to salt the eggplant before cooking it.

This will help to draw out any excess moisture from the eggplant.

Simply slice the eggplant into rounds or strips, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, pat dry with a paper towel.

Adding a breadcrumb topping to your Eggplant Parmesan is a great way to add some extra flavor and texture to the dish.

To make the breadcrumbs, simply combine some bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried oregano in a bowl.

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of your Eggplant Parmesan before baking.

9. Pizza

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Pizza is a classic dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.

It’s a simple dish that can be made with just about any ingredients you have on hand.

The great thing about pizza is that it can be customized to your liking.

Whether you like your pizza with a thin crust or a thick crust, there are endless possibilities when it comes to toppings.

When it comes to the taste of pizza, it really depends on your personal preference.

Some people like their pizza with a lot of sauce, while others prefer a more minimalistic approach.

The same goes for toppings.

You can really put anything you want on your pizza, which is why it’s such a versatile dish.

As for the texture of pizza, again, it all depends on what you’re looking for.

If you want a crispy crust, then you’ll need to cook your pizza at a high temperature.

However, if you’re looking for a softer crust, then you’ll need to cook your pizza at a lower temperature.

10. Garlic Bread

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Garlic bread is a classic dish that is simple to make and downright delicious.

The key to a good garlic bread is to strike the perfect balance between garlicky and buttery flavor.

The bread should also be nicely toasted, with a soft interior and crispy edges.

One way to elevate this dish is to add some shredded cheese to the garlic butter mixture.

This will give the bread a rich and creamy flavor that takes it to the next level.

Another option is to top the bread with some freshly chopped parsley or basil, which will add a touch of color and freshness.

Regardless of how you choose to enjoy it, garlic bread is a timeless favorite that is sure to please.

Conclusion

Penne alla vodka is a classic Italian pasta dish that is simple to make and can be easily adapted to your liking.

It is traditionally made with penne pasta, vodka, tomato sauce, and cream.

This dish can be served as is or with a variety of accompaniments.

Some of the best options include garlic bread, salad, chicken, and shrimp.