Vodka Pasta
Vodka pasta is a flavorful and creamy tomato based sauce enhanced with a little vodka served typically with penne pasta.
Servings 4
Calories 530kcal
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup vodka or chicken broth if prefer not using vodka
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup pasta water reserved from cooking the pasta
- 1 tbsp butter unsalted
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese plus more for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes optional
- Fresh basil, chopped optional garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta al dente per instructions from the package. Once pasta is cooked, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest of the water using a colander. While pasta is cooking, start on the vodka sauce.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once heated, add the onions and cook until softened about 3-5 minutes. Next add in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 30 seconds stirring frequently.
- Add in the tomato paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes until it starts to turn brick red. Stir in the vodka (or broth) and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add in the heavy whipping cream and gently stir until combined. If the pasta is still cooking, remove the vodka sauce from the heat until the pasta is finished cooking as you will need the reserved pasta water for the sauce.
- Add in the reserved pasta water and stir until combined. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add in the parmesan cheese and butter and stir frequently until the butter and cheese are melted into the sauce. Taste the sauce and add more salt and pepper if needed. Stir in the pasta noodles and serve. Garnish with more parmesan cheese and chopped basil if preferred.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 530kcal