Prepare to revolutionize your pasta night with this mind-blowing Vegan Vodka Sauce Rigatoni that proves plant-based cooking can be incredibly decadent and irresistible! Imagine twirling your fork into perfectly cooked rigatoni, draped in a silky, creamy sauce that's so rich and flavorful, you won't believe it's completely dairy-free. This restaurant-quality dish is about to become your new favorite comfort food that will have even non-vegans begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1 cup cashew cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the cashew cream by blending soaked raw cashews with water until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and vodka. Stir to combine and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and flavors to meld together.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in the prepared cashew cream, creating a smooth and creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain the cooked rigatoni and add directly to the sauce, tossing gently to ensure each pasta piece is well coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh torn basil leaves. Optional: sprinkle with nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
Tips
- Cashew Cream Secret: For the smoothest sauce, soak raw cashews overnight or use hot water to soften them quickly before blending.
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook rigatoni al dente - it should have a slight bite to hold up to the creamy sauce.
- Flavor Boost: Toast your garlic briefly to enhance its nutty, aromatic qualities without burning.
- Vodka Tip: Use a good quality vodka that you'd enjoy drinking, as it impacts the sauce's overall flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead Magic: The cashew cream and sauce can be prepared in advance, making weeknight cooking a breeze.
- Garnish Game: Fresh basil isn't just decoration - it adds a bright, herbaceous note that elevates the entire dish.
- Optional Upgrade: A sprinkle of nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, umami depth that takes the sauce to the next level.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
