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A Creamy and Flavorful Pasta Sauce

A Creamy and Flavorful Pasta Sauce You'll Crave Every Time

A creamy and flavorful pasta sauce made with vodka, perfect for elevating weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Sauces
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 330

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Can substitute with avocado oil for a milder taste.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Substitute with shallots for a milder flavor.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic is recommended.
For the Sauce
  • 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes Canned San Marzano tomatoes are preferred.
  • 1 cup Water Can use vegetable broth for additional flavor.
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste No substitution necessary, but can reduce for a lighter sauce.
  • 1/2 cup Vodka Omit or substitute with broth or white wine if desired.
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream Light cream can be used for a lower-fat option.
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast can be used for a vegan option.
  • 1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Adjust to taste or omit for a milder sauce.
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust according to personal preference.
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Basil Substitute with oregano or parsley if unavailable.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • saucepan
  • Large pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat the Olive Oil in a large skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute until it shimmers.
  2. Sauté the diced Yellow Onion for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and aromatic.
  3. Stir in the minced Garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant and lightly golden.
  4. Mix in the Tomato Paste and Vodka, simmering on medium-low for approximately 5 minutes.
  5. Add the Crushed Tomatoes and Water, bring to a gentle simmer for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Cook your choice of Pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in the Heavy Whipping Cream and Parmesan Cheese until combined.
  8. Plate your cooked Pasta and ladle the creamy vodka sauce over the top, garnishing with Basil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 330kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 5gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store cooked vodka sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.

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