Perfect Vodka Sauce with Prosciutto
Indulge in the rich, velvety decadence of Perfect Vodka Sauce with Prosciutto—a luxurious twist on the classic Italian-American favorite. This recipe combines a creamy tomato-vodka base with crispy, golden-brown prosciutto for a bold, savory depth of flavor. A touch of garlic, red chili flakes, and caramelized tomato paste create a balanced sauce that's both comforting and elegant. Finished with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh basil, it's perfect for tossing with al dente penne or rigatoni. Whether you're preparing a weeknight meal or a romantic dinner, this 45-minute recipe delivers restaurant-quality sophistication straight from your own kitchen. Don't forget to garnish with extra prosciutto and Parmesan to impress your guests with every bite! Perfect for lovers of creamy pasta and bold Italian flavors.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 4 ounces Prosciutto, thinly sliced
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 teaspoons Red chili flakes (optional)
- 6 ounces Tomato paste
- 0.5 cups Vodka
- 1 cups Heavy cream
- 0.5 cups Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoons Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 12 ounces Cooked pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil and butter. Let the butter melt completely.
Add the prosciutto to the skillet and cook until crispy and golden brown, about 4–5 minutes. Remove the crispy prosciutto and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red chili flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, to caramelize the paste and deepen the flavor.
Pour in the vodka and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes to cook off the alcohol, stirring occasionally.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring until the sauce is smooth and thick.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese is fully melted, and the sauce is creamy.
Chop the crispy prosciutto into bite-sized pieces and stir half of it into the sauce. Save the other half for garnish.
Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.
Serve immediately. Top each bowl with reserved crispy prosciutto, fresh basil (if using), and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your gourmet meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2670 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 168.4 g | 216% | |
| Saturated Fat | 83.2 g | 416% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 423 mg | 141% | |
| Sodium | 5579 mg | 243% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 140.8 g | 51% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.0 g | 50% | |
| Total Sugars | 23.4 g | ||
| Protein | 72.2 g | 144% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 557 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 11.0 mg | 61% | |
| Potassium | 2557 mg | 54% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
