Spicy Vodka Pasta
This Spicy Vodka Pasta is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced with just the right amount of heat. Caramelized tomato paste builds deep, savory flavor, while a splash of vodka sharpens the sauce and heavy cream smooths everything out into a silky finish. Finished with fresh basil and plenty of Parmesan.
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 749kcal
Equipment
- Conchiglie Pasta
- Grater
- Serving Spoons
Ingredients
PASTA
- 1 Box Pasta of Choice rigatoni, penne, Paccheri, Conchiglie or Lumachi
- ½ Cup Reserved Pasta Water
SPICY VODKA SAUCE
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 3 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter divided
- 2 Cloves Garlic grated
- ½ White Onion finely diced
- 1 Teaspoon Chili Flakes adjust to taste
- 1 Small Container Tomato Paste about 5.5 oz
- 1 Ounce Vodka
- ½ Cup Whipping Cream or heavy cream
- Salt & Freshly Cracked Black Pepper to taste
- 1 Cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated and divided
- 1 Handful Fresh Basil chopped
GARNISHES
- Fresh Basil chopped
- Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- Black Pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add olive oil and 1 tbsp butter. Once melted, add the onion, garlic, and chili flakes. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened, toasting the chili flakes slightly.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring often, until it deepens in color and caramelizes slightly.
- Add vodka to the pan and let it simmer for 5–6 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
- Reduce heat to low-medium and stir in the cream until smooth. Add remaining butter, salt, pepper, and ½ cup Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce gently simmer for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked pasta directly to the sauce and toss to coat. Gradually add reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Divide pasta among plates and top with fresh basil, parsley, black pepper, and remaining Parmesan. Serve warm and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Calories: 749kcal | Carbohydrates: 88g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 428mg | Potassium: 345mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1074IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 350mg | Iron: 2mg