Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary gastronomic experience! This loaded vodka pasta sauce is not just a recipe; it's a creamy, indulgent masterpiece that combines the bold flavor of vodka with rich tomatoes and luxurious cream. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe promises to elevate your pasta game to legendary status.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for the pasta.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the vodka and allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, which will help cook off the alcohol and concentrate the flavor.
- Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic and vodka. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-12 minutes.
- Slowly stir in the heavy cream, creating a rich and smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta in the boiling water according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the vodka sauce, tossing to coat each pasta strand completely.
- Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Tips
- Use high-quality vodka for the best flavor profile - the alcohol will cook off, leaving behind a complex taste.
- Always sauté garlic carefully to prevent burning, which can make the sauce bitter.
- Add cream slowly and at a low temperature to prevent curdling.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining - it's liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency.
- For an extra flavor boost, use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-packaged cheese.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente to maintain the perfect texture.
- If you want a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 75g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 95mg
