Vodka Sauce Recipe

Vodka sauce is a rich and flavorful tomato-based sauce with a touch of cream and a hint of vodka. It’s perfect for pairing with pasta, especially penne. This recipe will guide you through making a delicious homemade vodka sauce from scratch. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
• 1/2 cup vodka
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 lb pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Chop the onion and garlic: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

1. Heat olive oil: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion: Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it’s soft and translucent.
3. Add garlic and red pepper flakes: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Add the Vodka

1. Add vodka: Pour in the vodka and cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing it to reduce by half. This step helps cook off the alcohol while leaving a subtle flavor.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Simmer

1. Add tomatoes: Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine.
2. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil water: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta: Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce

1. Add cream: Stir the heavy cream into the sauce and let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce is well combined and creamy.
2. Add cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
3. Season: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, stir in the tablespoon of butter for extra richness.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add pasta to sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 8: Serve

1. Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
2. Serve: Serve the pasta with additional grated Parmesan cheese on the side.

Tips for the Perfect Vodka Sauce

• Quality ingredients: Use high-quality crushed tomatoes and Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
• Cook off the alcohol: Make sure to cook the vodka long enough to reduce and cook off most of the alcohol, leaving just the flavor.
• Adjust consistency: Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency to your liking.
• Fresh herbs: Fresh basil or parsley adds a nice touch of color and freshness to the finished dish.

Conclusion

This creamy vodka sauce recipe is a delightful and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its rich flavor and smooth texture make it a favorite for pasta lovers. Enjoy making and savoring this delicious sauce!