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Creamy Breakup Pasta Recipe with Rich Vodka Sauce

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A comforting and easy-to-make pasta dish featuring a silky vodka sauce with a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and subtle warmth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup (120 ml) vodka
  • 1 can (28 ounces/800 grams) crushed tomatoes
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 10-12 minutes). Drain, reserving ½ cup (120 ml) pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in vodka and let simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, to reduce slightly and cook off the alcohol.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes, stir well, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Slowly stir in heavy cream and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and black pepper. Simmer for another 3-4 minutes until sauce is silky and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  6. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat. If sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water to loosen. Heat together for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and fold in chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if using.
  8. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan and basil.

Notes

Do not skip the vodka simmer step to avoid a harsh alcohol taste. Add cream at low heat to prevent curdling. Use fresh basil at the end for brightness. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pasta, vodka sauce, easy pasta recipe, comfort food, penne pasta, homemade pasta sauce

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/creamy-breakup-pasta-recipe-with-rich-vodka-sauce-easy-homemade-meal/