Description
This vodka pasta showcases Italian culinary magic with rich, silky sauce and perfectly al dente noodles. Pasta enthusiasts will savor each luxurious bite of this classic comfort dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors directly to home kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
- 1 can (14 ounces/400 grams) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) vodka
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water at 212°F until perfectly tender yet firm, maintaining a slight bite. Carefully set aside one cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, gently sautéing diced onions until they turn translucent and develop a soft, glassy appearance.
- Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, stirring quickly to release its aromatic essence without burning, approximately 30 seconds.
- Pour vodka into the pan, allowing it to bubble and reduce, concentrating its robust flavor for 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate crushed tomatoes and optional chili flakes, seasoning with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer, developing depth and melding flavors for 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat and gradually incorporate heavy cream, creating a luxurious, silky sauce. Gently simmer until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Transfer cooked pasta directly into the sauce, meticulously coating each strand. Adjust sauce consistency using reserved pasta water if needed, creating a perfect creamy texture.
- Generously sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the pasta, tossing to ensure even distribution. Finish with a vibrant garnish of fresh basil leaves.
- Present the dish immediately while piping hot, celebrating the harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Notes
- Choose short, tube-shaped pasta like penne or rigatoni for better sauce coating and a more authentic texture.
- Remove the seeds from chili flakes if you prefer a milder heat level in the vodka sauce.
- Reserved pasta water acts as a magical thickening agent and helps create a silky, smooth sauce consistency.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, which reduces calories without sacrificing creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg