Skillet Baked Penne Alla Vodka
This gluten-free skillet pasta bake comes together in no time at all with a simple jar of vodka sauce and store bought precooked meatballs! It’s super easy to make but still sure to be a crowd-pleasing meal. Of course you’re welcome to go all out and use homemade meatballs and sauce if you desire! Either way, you’ll definitely want to add this recipe to your regular dinner rotation.
Servings : about 6
Prep Time : 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
12-16 precooked meatballs, store bought or homemade
24-25 oz jar vodka sauce
16 oz gluten-free penne pasta
1 package garlic & fine herb boursin cheese bites, See Recipe Notes
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup parmigiano reggiano, freshly grated
1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly chopped in strips
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large oven-safe skillet heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add in the meatballs and allow them to crisp, turning occasionally until they have an even browning on all sides. About 4 - 6 minutes.
Pour the vodka sauce into the skillet with the meatballs. Cover and simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes.
While the meatballs are simmering in the sauce bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Once the water starts boiling, salt it generously and add in the pasta. Cook until nearly al dente. The pasta will finish cooking while in the oven.
When the pasta is done, drain it and add it to the skillet with the sauce and meatballs. Gently mix everything together until fully combined. You may need to reposition the meatballs post-stirring so they are nestled on top of the pasta.
Heat the heavy cream in a small sauce pan over low heat and let simmer for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in the 1/2 cup of grated Parmigiano.
Drizzle the parmesan sauce over the pasta and dot with the boursin cheese balls.
Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes, until the cheese is melty. Feel free to broil the pasta for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking for an extra crisp top layer.
Remove from the oven and top with more grated parmigiano and the freshly chopped basil.
Notes
The boursin cheese bites can be substituted with fresh mozzarella pearls.
