Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of Vodka Sauce with Pasta—a classic Italian dish that promises to elevate your dining experience! With just 30 minutes from prep to plate, this recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends. Imagine twirling al dente pasta in a velvety sauce infused with the warmth of vodka, tantalizing garlic, and sweet tomatoes. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive into this delectable recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Carefully pour the vodka into the skillet and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
- Add crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine with the onions, garlic, and vodka. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream, creating a smooth and creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta directly to the vodka sauce, tossing gently to ensure each pasta piece is evenly coated.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally with grated Parmesan cheese on the side.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: For the best texture, opt for pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni that can hold onto the sauce beautifully.
- Don’t Skip the Salt: When boiling the pasta, adding a generous pinch of salt to the water enhances the flavor of the pasta itself.
- Let the Vodka Simmer: Allowing the vodka to simmer for a few minutes helps to evaporate the alcohol while intensifying the flavor of the sauce.
- Creamy Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of the reserved pasta water. It’ll help achieve that perfect creamy texture.
- Fresh Basil Matters: Garnishing with freshly chopped basil adds a burst of color and flavor—don’t skip this step for a restaurant-quality finish!
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot, so serve it right after mixing the pasta and sauce for optimal taste and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 75g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 85mg
