Pasta Allá Vodka
Course: DinnerCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy6
servings10
minutes35
minutes45
minutesRigatoni pasta in a beautifully balanced creamy and acidic tomato vodka sauce, topped with fresh parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
1 lb rigatoni pasta
1 large onion, yellow
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1/3 cup of vodka
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
3 1/2 cups of crushed tomatoes, either fresh or canned
1/2 tbsp fresh ground black pepper
1/2 tbsp kosher salt
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tbsp olive oil
fresh basil for garnish
Directions
- Begin by prepping all of your ingredients. Medium dice the onion, mince the garlic and pre-measure your liquid ingredients. You can also get your pot with water ready to cook the pasta. This is known as “Mise en place!”
- Cook pasta according to the directions on the box, set aside once strained
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil & sweat your onions for about 5-7 minutes
- Add the minced garlic and let cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant
- Add vodka carefully and be sure to get any fond off the bottom of the pan, let cook for about 2 minutes
- Add in crushed tomatoes, a few fresh basil leaves, and seasonings, let cook for about 10-15 minutes
- Remove the basil leaves then add in heavy cream and let cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Combine the pasta and creamy vodka tomato sauce, garnish with parmesan and basil and enjoy!
Notes
- It’s always great to save about a 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to thin out your pasta sauce!
Pasta Allá Vodka
Pasta Allá Vodka is a dish that strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication. Its creamy tomato sauce with a hint of vodka elevates the humble pasta to a delightful culinary experience. This dish, while seemingly gourmet, is surprisingly easy to prepare. Making it an excellent choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions!
The secret to a perfect Pasta Allá Vodka lies in the quality of its ingredients. Start with a base of finely chopped onions and garlic, sautéed in olive oil until they are soft and fragrant. The addition of vodka is what sets this dish apart. It’s used to deglaze the pan, allowing the alcohol to cook off and leave behind a unique flavor that enhances the tomato sauce. High-quality canned tomatoes or passata form the backbone of the sauce, simmered until they break down into a smooth consistency. The magic ingredient, heavy cream, is stirred in towards the end, creating a rich, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
Choosing the right pasta is crucial. Penne or rigatoni are excellent choices, as their tubular shapes hold onto the sauce well, ensuring each bite is as flavorful as the last. Finish the dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped fresh basil for a burst of color and freshness. Serving this dish is a moment of pure joy, as the creamy sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and aromatic herbs come together in a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Pasta Allá Vodka is a great example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to a delicious homemade meal, this recipe promises to deliver satisfaction with every bite. So, the next time you’re in the mood for something comforting yet refined, I encourage you to give Pasta Allá Vodka a try!