Description
Vodka pasta masterpiece blends Italian culinary magic with silky sauce and perfectly al dente noodles. Rich parmesan, aromatic herbs, and smooth vodka create a luxurious dining experience you’ll savor with pure Mediterranean delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) penne or rigatoni pasta
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until it reaches al dente texture, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully extract ½ cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining the pasta completely.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, introducing minced garlic and gently sautéing until its aromatic essence permeates the kitchen.
- Splash vodka into the skillet, allowing it to simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes, concentrating its bold flavors.
- Pour tomato sauce into the mixture, letting it bubble and meld for 5 minutes. Optionally, incorporate red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.
- Lower the flame and introduce heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce transforms into a silky, luxurious consistency.
- Gently fold the drained pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is lavishly coated. If needed, introduce reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect sauce viscosity.
- Finish the dish by generously sprinkling Parmesan cheese and scattering fresh basil leaves, serving immediately to capture the peak of flavor and texture.
Notes
- Always save some starchy pasta water to help create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats each noodle.
- Let vodka reduce slightly to mellow its sharp alcohol taste and concentrate its flavor depth.
- Add heavy cream on low heat to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, velvety sauce texture.
- Swap regular pasta with gluten-free options and use plant-based cream for a vegetarian or lactose-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg