Vodka Sauce

Rich, creamy Vodka Sauce - made with 8 easy ingredients and ready in 15 minutes or less. This velvety sauce combines deep tomato flavor with heavy cream, vodka, and freshly grated Parmesan. Skip the store bought and make your own instead!

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Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 10

Servings:

Calories: 218kcal

Author: Cathy Trochelman

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 ounces tomato paste
1/4 cup vodka
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup pasta water
1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
1 Tablespoon butter

Instructions

Boil a large pot of salted water. Add pasta of choice and cook to al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Sauté 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until onions are tender.
Add the tomato paste and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, 2-3 minutes or until the color turns bright red.
Add the vodka and cook, stirring, until vodka is incorporated and sauce is thickened.
Slowly whisk in the cream and reduce heat to low. Add the pasta water and whisk to incorporate.
Add in the grated Parmesan and butter, stirring vigorously to combine.
Add additional pasta water as needed until desired consistency is reached.

Notes

Recipe Variations

Add canned whole or crushed tomatoes for brightness and acidity
Add Italian seasoning to the onions and garlic for extra flavor
Substitute shallot for the onion
Add additional garlic to taste
Adjust vodka and Parmesan to taste
Omit the butter
For a silkier sauce, use an immersion blender to blend until smooth

Nutrition