Vodka Cream Pasta
Indulge in the creamy, luxurious flavors of Vodka Cream Pasta, a restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly easy to make at home in just 40 minutes. This comforting recipe blends perfectly al dente penne with a luscious sauce made of sautéed garlic, onions, and a bold splash of vodka, which enhances the richness of the tomato paste and heavy cream. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese melts seamlessly into the sauce, adding a nutty, savory finish, while a hint of crushed red pepper flakes provides a gentle kick of heat. Garnished with fresh basil, this one-pan pasta dinner is as elegant as it is satisfying, perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Whether you're craving Italian comfort food or looking for a show-stopping dish to impress your guests, this creamy vodka pasta recipe delivers in flavor and ease.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 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
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1 cup 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)
Instructions
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Carefully pour in the vodka and cook for 2-3 minutes, letting the alcohol reduce slightly.
Add the tomato paste and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the paste thickens and coats the onions evenly.
Reduce heat to low and add the heavy cream. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and fully combined.
Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
609 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 36.5 g | 47% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.7 g | 93% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 85 mg | 28% | |
| Sodium | 449 mg | 20% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 38.5 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.0 g | ||
| Protein | 11.3 g | 23% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 149 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 429 mg | 9% | |
*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.
