Spicy Vodka Pasta Express (Printable Version)

Quick creamy pasta with vodka, tomato, and chili heat for a delicious weeknight dinner.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz penne or rigatoni

→ Sauce

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 to 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
06 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
07 - 1/4 cup vodka
08 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
09 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 - Salt, to taste
11 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

12 - Fresh basil leaves, torn
13 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until tender. Incorporate garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Pour in canned crushed tomatoes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Simmer the mixture uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - Pour in vodka and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing alcohol to evaporate.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Add heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
06 - Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing thoroughly to coat. Use reserved cooking water in small amounts as needed for desired consistency.
07 - Serve immediately, garnished with torn fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Fast enough for the busiest weeknights
  • Packs a spicy punch and creamy richness
  • Uses common pantry ingredients and a splash of vodka
  • Vegetarian friendly and easily adjustable to diet needs
02 -
  • High in comforting flavor but surprisingly easy on time
  • Customizable heat level and fits vegetarian diets
  • The sauce clings best to tube-shaped pasta like rigatoni
03 -
  • Always salt your pasta cooking water like the sea This is your only chance to flavor the pasta itself
  • When adding vodka let it fully simmer so you keep the depth without any sharp bite
  • Reserve more pasta water than you think you need Pliable sauce is achieved with that magic starchy liquid

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