Quick and Easy Vodka Sauce
Transform your weeknight dinners with this indulgent and flavorful Quick and Easy Vodka Sauce recipe. Ready in just 30 minutes, this creamy pasta sauce strikes the perfect balance between tangy crushed tomatoes, rich heavy cream, and the subtle kick of vodka. A touch of garlic, sautéed onions, and red pepper flakes add depth and a hint of heat, while freshly grated Parmesan brings a savory, cheesy finish. Whether you're treating yourself to a cozy meal or impressing guests with minimal effort, this versatile vodka sauce pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta and is sure to become a go-to in your recipe repertoire. Garnish with fresh basil for an aromatic, restaurant-quality flourish. Perfect for busy home cooks craving bold Italian flavors without the fuss!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 0.5 cups vodka
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 0.75 cups heavy cream
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
- 12 ounces pasta of choice, cooked
Instructions
Heat the olive oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until the butter is fully melted.
Add the finely diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, and cook for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour in the vodka and stir well. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce and cook off the alcohol.
Add the canned crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stir, and reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Let the sauce simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
Toss the cooked pasta of your choice into the skillet, mixing well to coat the pasta in the sauce.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2292 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 129.0 g | 165% | |
| Saturated Fat | 62.9 g | 314% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 282 mg | 94% | |
| Sodium | 2926 mg | 127% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 166.0 g | 60% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.2 g | 79% | |
| Total Sugars | 41.4 g | ||
| Protein | 47.6 g | 95% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 708 mg | 54% | |
| Iron | 10.6 mg | 59% | |
| Potassium | 3039 mg | 65% | |
*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.
