Vodka Sauce
Vodka Sauce is a creamy and flavorful pasta sauce that combines tomatoes and vodka for a unique taste, perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta and Base
- 8 ounces radiatore pasta or any pasta of choice
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter for sautéing
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 medium shallots (diced)
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or more, to taste
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup vodka use high-quality vodka for the best flavor
- 1 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream can substitute with coconut cream for a non-dairy option
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan or dairy-free Parmesan for a vegan option
Seasoning and Garnish
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup basil leaves (chiffonade) for garnish
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain well.
Making the Sauce
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic and shallots, cooking and stirring frequently until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and red pepper flakes until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Carefully stir in the vodka, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta, using reserved pasta water as needed, 1 tablespoon at a time, to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Serve immediately, garnished with basil if desired. Serve over your choice of pasta.
Notes
You can store leftover Vodka Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it after cooling completely. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. For a richer sauce, add more heavy cream.