Imagine a dish that combines the rich, velvety texture of cream with the bold, tangy essence of tomatoes and a secret splash of vodka - this isn't just another pasta recipe, this is a culinary experience that will transform your weeknight dinner into a gourmet sensation! Our Pasta in Creamy Vodka Tomato Sauce is the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication, promising to impress both casual home cooks and discerning food lovers alike.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent and softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant but not brown.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and vodka. Increase heat to medium-high and simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, allowing the alcohol to reduce and the flavors to meld together.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in heavy cream, creating a smooth and rich sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add cooked pasta directly into the sauce, tossing gently to coat evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 1-2 minutes to allow sauce to further thicken and absorb into pasta.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh torn basil leaves. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Tips
- Always use high-quality ingredients, especially for the vodka and cream, as they significantly impact the final flavor.
- Cook pasta just until al dente - it will continue absorbing sauce after mixing, preventing mushy texture.
- Don't rush the onion and garlic sauté; slow cooking develops deeper, sweeter flavors.
- When adding vodka, let it simmer to cook off the alcohol and concentrate its unique flavor profile.
- Reserve pasta water before draining - its starchy content is perfect for adjusting sauce consistency.
- For extra richness, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a touch of grated Parmesan when serving.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature, garnishing with fresh basil just before plating.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 80mg
