Easy Vodka Sauce Pasta (Print)
A comforting pasta dish with tender penne tossed in a silky vodka-infused tomato-cream sauce. Ideal for busy nights or a cozy meal.
# Ingredients:
01 -
Crushed tomatoes, one 14-ounce can.
02 -
Freshly grated Parmesan, 1/4 cup, plus extra for topping.
03 -
Chopped fresh basil, 2 tablespoons, and more for garnish.
04 -
Half a cup of heavy cream.
05 -
Salt and black pepper, to your liking.
06 -
1/4 cup of vodka.
07 -
Penne, 12 ounces.
08 -
Red chili flakes, optional, 1/2 teaspoon.
09 -
Minced garlic cloves, 2.
10 -
Unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons.
11 -
1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
# Steps:
01 -
Boil the pasta in well-salted water until it’s just firm to the bite. Scoop out 1/2 cup of the water before draining.
02 -
Let the tomatoes simmer for 5-7 minutes. Stir in the cream and let it blend into a smooth sauce.
03 -
Warm up the butter and oil in a big skillet. Toss in the garlic and chili flakes, cooking until the fragrance hits you.
04 -
Splash in the vodka and simmer for a couple of minutes so the alcohol evaporates.
05 -
Coat the cooked pasta in the sauce and add some of that reserved pasta water if it feels too thick.
06 -
Stir in the Parmesan and basil. Adjust the taste with salt and pepper, then sprinkle on more cheese and basil for garnish.
# Notes:
01 -
Opt for tomato paste if you want a deeper flavor.
02 -
Any pasta shape works well here.
03 -
You can swap out vodka for broth.