Contents
Introduction
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of homemade Vodka Sauce, a classic Italian-American dish that perfectly combines the sweetness of tomatoes, the depth of vodka, and the richness of cream. This sauce pairs beautifully with pasta, creating a satisfying meal that is both elegant and comforting. Follow this detailed recipe for a delightful culinary experience that you can easily recreate at home.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 8 ounces radiatore pasta
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium shallots, diced
– ¼ cup tomato paste
– ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or more, to taste
– ¼ cup vodka
– 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
– ½ cup heavy cream
– ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan
– Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– ¼ cup basil leaves, chiffonade
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Instructions
1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; reserve 1 cup water and drain well.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic and shallots, and cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Stir in tomato paste and red pepper flakes until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Working carefully, stir in vodka, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes and sugar. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced and thickened, about 10 minutes.
6. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth, about 2 minutes.
7. Stir in pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with basil, if desired.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Vodka Sauce!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook 8 ounces of radiatore pasta according to package instructions. Once done, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta well.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 2 diced medium shallots. Cook, stirring frequently, until tender, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Spices
Stir in ¼ cup of tomato paste and ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, which should take about 1 minute.
Step 4: Incorporate Vodka
Carefully stir in ¼ cup of vodka, making sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for added flavor.
Step 5: Combine Tomatoes and Sugar
Add 1 (14-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has reduced and thickened. This should take about 10 minutes.
Step 6: Add Cream and Cheese
Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream and ⅓ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture is smooth, which should take about 2 minutes.
Step 7: Mix in Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, incorporating it well. Gradually add reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 8: Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with ¼ cup of chiffonade basil leaves, if desired.
Notes
Note 1: Pasta Choice
Radiatore pasta is recommended for its ability to hold the sauce well, but you can substitute with another pasta of your choice.
Note 2: Adjusting Spice Level
Feel free to adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
Note 3: Storage
Leftover vodka sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat before serving again.
Note 4: Vegetarian Option
This recipe is vegetarian-friendly. To make it vegan, substitute heavy cream with a plant-based alternative and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
Cook techniques
Boiling Pasta
Cooking pasta in boiling salted water ensures that it is flavored and cooked evenly. Always reserve a cup of pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency.
Sautéing Aromatics
Sauté garlic and shallots in butter on medium-low heat to soften and develop their flavors without burning them. Stir frequently for even cooking.
Incorporating Tomato Paste
Stirring in tomato paste and red pepper flakes for a brief period helps to intensify the flavors and aroma, ensuring a deep, rich base for the sauce.
Deglazing
Adding vodka to the skillet assists in deglazing, allowing you to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom which add extra flavor to your sauce.
Simmering
Simmering the mixture after adding crushed tomatoes and sugar helps to concentrate the flavors and achieve a thickened sauce.
Emulsifying Cream and Cheese
Adding heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stirring until smooth ensures a rich and creamy texture, enhancing the sauce’s overall flavor.
Tossing Pasta
Tossing cooked pasta in the sauce allows for even coating. Adjusting the consistency with reserved pasta water ensures the sauce clings beautifully to the pasta.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute radiatore pasta with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fettuccine.
Is it necessary to use vodka in the recipe?
Vodka helps in enhancing the flavors of the sauce, but if you prefer to avoid it, you can omit it. The sauce will still be delicious.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftover vodka sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Can I make this sauce vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure that the Parmesan cheese is made without animal rennet for a completely vegetarian version.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, or for a dairy-free option, substitute with coconut cream or a nut-based cream.
Can I add other ingredients to the sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or proteins such as chicken or shrimp, to customize the sauce to your taste.
Conclusion
This Vodka Sauce recipe is a flavorful and creamy addition to your pasta dishes, elevating a simple meal into a delightful experience. The blend of garlic, shallots, and vodka creates a rich sauce that pairs perfectly with radiatore pasta or any pasta of your choice. Enjoy this satisfying dish with friends and family for a memorable dining experience.
Creamy Mushroom Vodka Sauce
Combine sautéed mushrooms with the vodka sauce for an earthy addition that pairs beautifully with any pasta.
Spicy Shrimp Vodka Pasta
Add sautéed shrimp to the vodka sauce for a delicious protein boost, perfect for seafood lovers.
Vegetable Vodka Pasta
Incorporate a mix of your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini, for a nutritious twist.
Chicken Vodka Pasta
Add slices of grilled or sautéed chicken for a heartier meal that will satisfy meat lovers.
Vodka Sauce Pizza
Spread the vodka sauce over pizza dough and top with mozzarella cheese and your choice of toppings for a unique pizza option.
Vodka Sauce Lasagna
Layer vodka sauce with noodles, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella for a creamy lasagna variation.
Baked Vodka Pasta Casserole
Mix cooked pasta with vodka sauce, top with more cheese, and bake until bubbly for a comforting casserole.
