This easy vodka pasta recipe is rich, creamy, and ready in under 30 minutes. The tomato paste cooks down for deep flavor, while the cream makes the sauce smooth and cozy. It’s simple, comforting, and just fancy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: About 25 minutes
Servings: 4
More ideas: Easy One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta until al dente, then reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Tip: A wide pan helps the sauce reduce evenly and coat the pasta better.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes, until it turns darker and smells slightly caramelized.
- Pour in the vodka and let it simmer for about 2 minutes, until the sharp smell fades.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
- Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, until the sauce looks smooth and lightly thickened.
- Tip: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer — boiling can make cream sauces split.
- Add the drained pasta and toss until every piece is coated.
- Loosen with a splash of pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.
- Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan until creamy and glossy.
- Tip: Pasta water helps the sauce cling and stay silky, not heavy.
- Serve immediately with fresh basil and extra cheese if you like.
Variations
If you want to make it a bit more filling, you can add cooked chicken or shrimp. For something fresher, stir in a handful of spinach right at the end and let it wilt into the sauce. And if you like a little heat, just finish it with some crushed red pepper.
Also worth trying: Easy Broccoli and Cheese Pasta for a Cozy Dinner
Easy Harissa Chicken Salad with Apple and Yogurt Dressing
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