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.