Photo courtesy of Zuppa Restaurant & Lounge
From Chappaqua to Yonkers, these vodka sauce dishes are bright, vibrant, and creamy…everything you’d want from comfort food.
When you think of vodka sauce, the first thing that may come to mind is penne alla vodka. It’s a dish that is widely popular and available at most Italian-American restaurants. But since it’s a dish you know so well, we’re going to dive deeper into some unique combinations that you probably haven’t tried yet. Here are five vodka sauce dishes that should be on your radar.
Garganelli at Zuppa Restaurant & Lounge
59-61 Main St, Yonkers; 914.376.6500
Paskual Dedi has been the head chef at Zuppa for 10 years, and there’s a good reason why. His homemade garganelli pasta with Atlantic shrimp, grappa, onions, garlic, basil, tomato, and mascarpone is a twist on the classic penne alla vodka. Instead of vodka, Dedi uses grappa, an Italian digestivo, or after-dinner drink, which blends perfectly with the other flavors, including the creamy mascarpone and the sweet shrimp. Garganelli, an egg-based, hand-rolled pasta, holds up well to the heavier sauce.
Photo by @MangiaWithMatteo
CMBP at Buon Amici Deli
830 Scarsdale Ave, Scarsdale; 914.723.5844
Buon Amici Deli is generally booming during prime lunch hours, and panini like CMBP — a chicken meatball parm with vodka sauce — are part of the hype. Sitting in a pool of vodka sauce, the chicken meatballs are stuffed with peppers and onions. The sandwich is toasted, then finished in a panini press to ensure the mozzarella is perfectly melted into the bread. The result: chicken meatballs that are firm, yet tender, and bread that’s moist from soaking up the vodka sauce, making each bite better than the last. The Stoli, a chicken parm wedge with vodka sauce, is another wise choice.
Vodka Slice at Al Dente Pizzeria
7 Elm Pl, Rye; 914.921.5300
If you’ve been to Al Dente, you probably know about the vodka slice. It’s a large slice with good hold. The vodka sauce is made with prosciutto, adding the perfect amount of saltiness, to balance the sauce’s creamy, sweet notes. A generous amount of fresh, milky mozzarella on the slice makes it look irresistible, while a sprinkle of Parmigiano adds savory flavor. If you prefer a square slice, the Drunk Grandma slice (pictured) is also a hot seller.
Photo by @MangiaWithMatteo
The Boss Wrap at Old Stone Trattoria
425 King St, Chappaqua; 914.238.8824
At Old Stone, you have the luxury of enjoying a slice or sandwich on-the-go or choosing from the full, sit-down menu in a charming and cozy atmosphere. Either way, the penne chicken vodka wrap, known as The Boss Wrap, puts all the other wraps to shame. In one perfect bite, the tender chicken cutlet and soft mozzarella pair perfectly with al dente penne in a rich, vibrant vodka sauce.
Photo by @MangiaWithMatteo
Penne alla Vodka at TVB by Pax Romana
171 E Post Rd, White Plains; 914.831.3303
It’s not a twist, but at Pax Romana there’s a commitment to providing customers with only the best quality. For the penne alla vodka, fresh pasta is extruded, creating a curved shape, and cooked until just al dente. The thick, hearty vodka sauce is made with basil, shallots, tomato, cream, and smoked bacon. If you’re craving for a bowl of penne alla vodka with tons of flavor, Pax has what you need.
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