Description
Discover the ultimate creamy vodka pasta perfection recipe featuring a luscious tomato-vodka sauce, parmesan cheese, and al dente pasta. Perfect for a cozy dinner night!
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup tomato paste or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes until it deepens in color. Add vodka, letting it simmer until reduced by half.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream until smooth. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix in grated parmesan, then combine the sauce with cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh basil, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use high-quality vodka for the best flavor.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg