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This vodka pasta is a creamy, rich, and flavorful pasta dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With its velvety tomato sauce infused with a touch of vodka and finished with a splash of cream, this dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and comforting.
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Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Why You’ll Love Making It
- Rich & Creamy Flavor – The combination of tomato, cream, and vodka creates a smooth, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Easy & Beginner-Friendly – With simple ingredients and clear instructions, even first-time cooks can master this dish.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home – Skip the takeout and impress your family with a meal that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to prepare.
- Customizable – Want it vegetarian? Omit the pancetta! Prefer a little heat? Add red pepper flakes!
- Perfect for Entertaining – A crowd-pleasing dish that pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a simple salad.
Ingredients
- ½ tbsp olive oil – Adds a touch of richness and helps the pancetta crisp up.
- 1 cup smoked pancetta, cubed (100g) – Brings a deep, savory flavor. Bacon can be used as a substitute.
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped – Provides a fragrant, aromatic base for the sauce.
- 1 shallot, finely chopped – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the dish.
- 4 cups penne pasta (14 oz/400g) – The ridges in penne help hold onto the creamy vodka sauce.
- 1½ cups puréed tomatoes (passata) (400g) – Gives the sauce its smooth, rich tomato base.
- ⅓ cup heavy cream (80ml) – Creates the luxurious, creamy consistency that makes this dish irresistible.
- ⅓ cup vodka (80ml) – Enhances the sauce’s flavor by bringing out the sweetness in the tomatoes.
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (120ml) – Helps adjust the sauce’s consistency and ensures it clings to the pasta.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Balances the flavors and enhances the sauce.
- Freshly grated parmesan, for serving (optional) – Adds a nutty, umami richness to the final dish.
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Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. (Use about 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 cups of water to season the pasta properly.) Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite, usually 9-11 minutes). Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Pancetta
While the pasta is cooking, heat ½ tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed pancetta and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to brown and release its flavorful fat.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
Add the chopped garlic and shallot to the pan with the pancetta. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the shallots turn translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Stir in the puréed tomatoes (passata) and ½ cup reserved pasta water. Mix well to deglaze the pan and allow the flavors to meld. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes over medium heat.
Step 5: Add Cream and Vodka
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, ensuring it blends smoothly with the tomato sauce. Add the vodka, along with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind a rich and well-balanced flavor. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained al dente pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the sauce coats each piece of penne evenly. Let it cook for 1-2 more minutes over low heat to meld the flavors.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Plate the pasta and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan, if desired. Serve immediately with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
FAQs
Can I make Vodka Pasta without alcohol?
Yes! While vodka enhances the sauce’s depth of flavor, you can substitute it with chicken broth or a squeeze of lemon juice for acidity.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
