Vodka Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium sweet onion
chopped
- 3 garlic cloves
minced
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 28 oz. can whole peeled tomatoes
- 1/3 cup vodka
- 1 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil
- 1/2 – 3/4 cup half and half
- 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
- 16 oz. penne pasta
- to tasteFresh black pepper
Directions
- 1
In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat; add onions and garlic and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute.
- 2
Stir in tomatoes and vodka and continue cooking the mixture for 5-7 minutes until slightly reduced, stirring occasionally.
- 3
Then stir in the tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low and simmer partially covered for 20 minutes until reduced by half, stirring occasionally.
- 4
In the meantime, cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- 5
Transfer tomato mixture to a food processor or blender, add basil, and purée until smooth. Return sauce to the pan and stir in half and half. You want creamy and slightly sweet consistency. Start with 1/2 cup of half and half, taste, and add more if needed. Cook until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in parmesan cheese and then the cooked pasta. Toss to combine.
- 6
Serve immediately with additional sprinkle of cheese and basil, if desired.
Vodka Sauce Recipe
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About this Recipe
Craving that famously smooth, rich, and creamy pink sauce from your favorite Italian restaurant? Now you can effortlessly bring that classic vodka sauce flavor right to your home kitchen.
This incredibly easy vodka sauce recipe offers a lightened-up approach, focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients like extra-virgin olive oil, sweet onions, fragrant garlic, and vibrant whole peeled tomatoes. The secret to its distinct creaminess and silky texture comes from a measured addition of half and half, creating a sauce that's both comforting and elegant without being overly heavy.
Prepare for a truly luxurious sauce that balances the bright acidity of tomatoes with the mellow sweetness of onion and a subtle warmth from red pepper flakes. The touch of vodka works its magic, helping to emulsify the sauce and release the full aroma of the tomato, while the fresh basil provides an aromatic lift. You'll achieve a gorgeous creamy pink hue, a testament to its comforting texture and rich flavor profile, perfectly coating your favorite pasta. It's an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen, promising a satisfying and flavorful meal that tastes like it took hours, but comes together with surprising ease.
Customization & Variations:
- For a bolder kick, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste.
- While penne pasta is a traditional choice, this versatile sauce pairs beautifully with other shapes like rigatoni, fettuccine, or even spaghetti.
- Feeling adventurous? Add a handful of baby spinach or sautéed mushrooms towards the end for extra vegetables.
This homemade vodka sauce is the ultimate weeknight indulgence or a delightful centerpiece for a casual dinner party. Serve generously over hot penne, garnished with an extra sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese and a grind of black pepper for that perfect finishing touch.