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Vodka Pasta Recipe

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Vodka Pasta is a creamy, comforting Italian-American dish made with tomato sauce, vodka, and cream. The vodka enhances the flavor of the tomatoes, resulting in a smooth and luxurious sauce perfect for pasta.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup vodka
  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add vodka and cook for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Reduce heat to low and add heavy cream. Stir until the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Add cooked pasta to the sauce along with butter and Parmesan. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  8. Serve immediately topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

Notes

  • Vodka enhances the flavor of tomatoes and helps emulsify the sauce. The alcohol mostly cooks off.
  • You can substitute rigatoni or another short pasta if desired.
  • To make it spicy, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.

Nutrition

Keywords: vodka pasta, penne alla vodka, creamy tomato pasta, vegetarian pasta, italian dinner

Find it online: https://yumcove.com/vodka-pasta-recipe-2/