Description
A creamy, spicy, and sophisticated weeknight pasta dish that uses pantry staples. The vodka enhances the tomato flavor while evaporating, leaving a rich sauce that tastes like it came from a high-end bistro.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound Penne or Rigatoni
- 1 tablespoon Salt (for pasta water)
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 medium Yellow onion, finely diced
- 5 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup Vodka
- 1 can (28oz) Crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup Heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Dice onion, mince garlic, and grate cheese. Measure out vodka and cream.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining. Do not rinse pasta.
- While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and a pinch of salt; cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in vodka and simmer for 2 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
- Add crushed tomatoes, stir well, and simmer for 3-4 minutes to concentrate flavor.
- Reduce heat to low. Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove pan from heat. Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until sauce is glossy and thick. Add reserved pasta water if too thick.
- Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Use fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan for best results. Save starchy pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles. Remove pan from heat before adding cheese to prevent graininess. This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta or dairy-free by substituting coconut cream and nutritional yeast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 380
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 15
Keywords: spicy vodka sauce pasta, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner, easy pasta recipe, Italian comfort food, vodka sauce