Indulge in the luxurious, smooth flavors of creamy vodka pasta! This Italian-inspired dish is the perfect blend of a rich tomato-cream sauce, a hint of spice, and a splash of vodka for depth. With minimal ingredients and a quick cook time, it’s the ultimate comfort food for busy nights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of tomato, cream, and Parmesan cheese creates a decadent sauce.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Enjoy an Italian classic without leaving your kitchen.
- Customizable: Add your favorite proteins or veggies for a personalized twist.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Elegant yet easy, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can tomatoes (14 oz, whole or crushed)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Additional Ingredients for Sauce:
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni work best)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base:
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the Tomatoes and Vodka:
- Pour in the canned tomatoes, breaking them up with a wooden spoon if using whole tomatoes. Add the vodka and stir to combine. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to let the alcohol cook off and the flavors meld.
- Incorporate the Cream:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine with Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Finish with Parmesan:
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until melted and incorporated.
- Serve:
- Plate the creamy vodka pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Protein Additions: Include cooked shrimp, chicken, or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
- Vegetarian Option: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for extra heat.
- Tomato Options: Swap canned tomatoes for fresh diced tomatoes or tomato puree for a smoother sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or cream to prevent the sauce from drying out.
- Freezing: The sauce (without the pasta) can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I skip the vodka?
Yes, but the vodka enhances the sauce’s flavor by balancing the cream and tomatoes. For a substitute, try white wine or leave it out entirely.
2. What type of pasta works best?
Penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta with ridges works well to hold the sauce. Long pasta like spaghetti can also be used.
3. Is heavy cream necessary?
Yes, it creates the creamy texture. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use a dairy-free cream substitute and omit the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.
5. How do I know when the vodka has cooked off?
The sauce should no longer have a strong alcohol smell, usually after 5–7 minutes of simmering.
6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta fresh and combine it with the sauce when ready to serve.
7. What’s the best Parmesan to use?
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. Pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly.
8. Can I add fresh herbs?
Absolutely! Fresh basil or parsley makes a wonderful garnish for added flavor.
9. How can I thicken the sauce?
Simmer the sauce a little longer, or add a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese to thicken it.
10. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients to serve more people. Make sure to use a large enough skillet for the sauce.
Conclusion
This quick and easy creamy vodka pasta is a comforting, restaurant-quality meal that you can whip up in under 30 minutes. With a luscious tomato-cream sauce, tender pasta, and simple ingredients, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress. Perfect for weeknights or entertaining, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Try it today and savor the classic flavors of Italian-inspired cuisine!
Print
Quick and Easy Creamy Vodka Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy vodka pasta is the ultimate comfort food with its rich, velvety tomato-cream sauce, a hint of spice, and a splash of vodka for added depth. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a delicious Italian-inspired meal perfect for any night of the week!
Ingredients
Produce:
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (14-16 oz) tomatoes (crushed or diced)
Baking & Spices:
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Dairy:
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
Other:
- 12 oz pasta (penne or your favorite gluten-free variety)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Make the Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, vodka, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Stir and let simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the alcohol to cook off.
3. Add Cream and Cheese:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve immediately, topped with the remaining Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Vodka Substitution: If you prefer to skip the alcohol, substitute with chicken or vegetable broth.
- Make It Spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for extra heat.
- Cheese Option: Pecorino Romano can be used instead of Parmesan for a slightly sharper flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian