Creamy & Irresistible Vodka Pasta: A Comforting Italian Delight!
If you're looking for a creamy, flavorful, and indulgent pasta dish, Vodka Pasta is the perfect recipe for you! This classic Italian-American dish, also known as Penne alla Vodka, is rich, smooth, and packed with bold flavors. Whether you're cooking for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or simply treating yourself, this pasta will never disappoint.
What is Vodka Pasta?
Vodka pasta is a creamy tomato-based sauce made with tomatoes, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and a splash of vodka for added depth of flavor. The vodka helps enhance the richness of the sauce, giving it a smooth, velvety texture that clings perfectly to the pasta.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
✅ Rich & Creamy – A perfect balance of flavors.
✅ Customizable – Add protein, spice, or veggies to make it your own.
✅ Restaurant-Quality – Tastes like it came from an Italian trattoria!
Ingredients You'll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Vodka Pasta:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz rigatoni (or penne)
- Salt (for boiling water)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- ½ cup vodka
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes (or tomato puree)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 handful fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)
How to Make Vodka Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute.
- Pour in the vodka and let it cook down for about 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly add the heavy cream, stirring continuously.
Step 3: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese and a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Serve & Garnish
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil and more parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.
Tips & Variations
- Make it Spicier – Add extra red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
- Add Protein – Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta.
- Go Vegetarian – Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.
- No Vodka? – You can skip it, but it enhances the flavor!
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Vodka Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make yet packed with luxurious flavors. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.
Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! 😊
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