Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your dinner table into an Italian restaurant-worthy experience! This Baked Ziti alla Vodka is not just another pasta dish – it's a creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible masterpiece that combines the bold flavors of vodka sauce with the comforting embrace of melted cheese. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a luxurious meal, this recipe promises to be your new go-to comfort food that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup vodka
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the vodka and simmer for 3-4 minutes to cook off the alcohol, stirring occasionally.
- Add crushed tomatoes and simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, creating a smooth, pink-hued sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked ziti to the sauce, mixing gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water.
- Transfer half the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
- Add the remaining pasta, then top with the rest of the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden brown edges.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves before serving. Enjoy hot!
Tips
- Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked pasta can become mushy.
- Don't skip the vodka! It helps release flavors in the tomato sauce and cooks off to leave behind a rich, complex taste.
- For the creamiest sauce, use full-fat heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier.
- Feel free to customize by adding cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or making it vegetarian with spinach or roasted vegetables.
- Use fresh basil for garnish – it adds a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the dish.
- If the sauce seems too thick, reserve some pasta water to help create the perfect consistency when mixing.Pro tip: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 95mg
