Garlic Vodka Pasta Recipe
This dish isn’t for the faint-hearted—or vampires. Garlic takes center stage, infusing the sauce with bold, punchy flavor that pairs ridiculously well with vodka’s smooth kick. The tomatoes simmer into a rich, velvety base, balanced by heavy cream that hugs every strand of pasta. A dash of red pepper flakes brings the heat, while parmesan adds the perfect salty finish. It’s indulgent, aromatic, and just the right amount of boozy. Forget bland, forget boring—this pasta makes a statement. Serve it up, inhale the garlicky aroma, and enjoy every last saucy bite. Just keep mints nearby.
Garlic Vodka Pasta Recipe
A creamy, garlicky, vodka-infused pasta that delivers serious flavor with every bite. Comforting, rich, and absolutely not first-date-friendly.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup vodka
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz rigatoni or penne
- Water for boiling
- 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water
For Garnish:
- ½ cup parmesan grated
- Fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- Boil pasta: Cook in salted water until al dente. Save ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Sauté garlic: Heat olive oil in a pan. Cook garlic and onion until fragrant and golden.
- Spice it up: Stir in red pepper flakes and tomato paste. Let it cook for 3 minutes.
- Deglaze with vodka: Pour it in, scraping up any browned bits. Let the alcohol cook off for 2 minutes.
- Simmer the sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Let it thicken for 5 minutes.
- Make it creamy: Stir in heavy cream, blending until smooth and luscious.
- Marry the flavors: Toss in pasta and reserved pasta water. Stir until coated in the sauce.
- Serve immediately: Garnish with parmesan and basil. Devour before anyone asks for a bite.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: 590
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
Vitamin & Mineral Content (Per Serving)
- Vitamin A: 15%
- Calcium: 18%
- Iron: 12%
- Potassium: 10%
- Vitamin B6: 8%
Flavor-Boosting Tips
- Roast the garlic beforehand for an even deeper flavor.
- Add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Let the vodka cook off completely—nobody wants a raw alcohol taste.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best results.
- Serve with crusty bread to mop up every last bit of sauce.
