Description
This rich and creamy vodka sauce is the ultimate pasta sauce, perfectly balanced with tomatoes, heavy cream, and a splash of vodka. It’s a decadent sauce that’s smooth, luxurious, and an absolute favorite for pasta lovers. It’s easy to make and outshines any store-bought versions.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
- 1/2 cup vodka (good-quality vodka)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. -
Add the Tomatoes & Vodka:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and vodka. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. -
Add the Cream & Cheese:
Once the sauce has slightly reduced, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. -
Season & Adjust:
Taste and season the sauce with salt and pepper to your liking. Optionally, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. -
Serve & Enjoy:
Toss the vodka sauce with your favorite pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.
Notes
- Let the Sauce Simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer for at least 15 minutes to bring out the full depth of the flavors.
- Use Full-Fat Cream: For the creamiest, most decadent sauce, use full-fat heavy cream.
- Don’t Skip the Vodka: The vodka adds complexity and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the total sauce
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg