Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Spicy Vodka Pasta:
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) vodka
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze with Vodka:
- Pour in the vodka and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until the alcohol has mostly evaporated.
- Add Tomatoes and Cream:
- Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine. Lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine with Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve:
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined with the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Enjoy your Spicy Vodka Pasta! It’s rich, creamy, and has just the right amount of heat.