Pasta With Vodka Sauce

Name: Pasta With Vodka Sauce
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 - 6 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1 lb. rigatoni; 2 tbsp. olive oil; 3 large cloves garlic, finely chopped; 2 shallots, finely chopped; 6 oz. can tomato paste; 1/4 c. vodka; 1 c. heavy cream; Pinch of red pepper flakes; Kosher salt and pepper; 1/4 c. finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving; Basil, for serving

This easy pasta dish is always a hit

By Kate MerkerPublished: Jan 4, 2021

1 Rating

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Mike Garten

Yields:

4 - 6 serving(s)

Total Time:

20 mins

Whip up this family favorite featuring heavy cream, tomato paste, and yes, a touch of vodka (the alcohol cooks off!) in just 15 minutes. This is also delicious as penne alla vodka, if you prefer penne over rigatoni.

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Ingredients

1 lb. rigatoni
2 Tbsp. olive oil
3 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 shallots, finely chopped
6 oz. can tomato paste
1/4 cup vodka
1 cup heavy cream
Pinch of red pepper flakes
Kosher salt and pepper
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
Basil, for serving

Directions

1. Step 1Cook rigatoni per package directions.
2. Step 2Heat olive oil, garlic, and shallots in a Dutch oven on medium. Cook, stirring, until tender, 4 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring until deep red and beginning to caramelize, about 5 minutes.
3. Step 3Stir in vodka; cook until nearly evaporated, about 2 minutes. Scoop 1/2 cup pasta cooking water into a measuring cup (even if pasta is not done), then add heavy cream. Add to Dutch oven along with red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring until smooth.
4. Step 4Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then transfer cooked pasta to Dutch oven. Add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water; cook on low, stirring constantly, until pasta is coated, adding more liquid as needed. Fold in 1/4 cup Parmesan. Serve topped with additional Parmesan and basil.