Description
Quick and Creamy Spicy Vodka Pasta in Just 15 Minutes
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces Orecchiette or Favorite Pasta
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 medium Red Onion
- to taste Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper
- 2 cloves Garlic Cloves
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 1/2 cup Vodka
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Reserved Pasta Water
- 1/2 cup Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Leaves
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette or your favorite pasta, cooking until al dente, then reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a sauté pan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add the finely diced red onion, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Mix in the tomato paste, cooking for around 5 minutes until it darkens slightly.
- Carefully add the vodka to the pan. Let it evaporate for about 1 minute.
- Add the heavy cream and red pepper flakes, stirring occasionally. Let it thicken slightly for about 2-3 minutes.
- Toss the drained pasta into the sauce along with the reserved pasta water. Mix thoroughly.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, topped with extra cheese and fresh basil leaves.
Notes
- Can substitute any pasta shape you love.
- Minced fresh garlic is always best.
- Can omit vodka for an alcohol-free option.
- Start with 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for milder spice.
- Half-and-half or cashew cream are good alternatives for heavy cream.
- Can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast.
- Spinach or parsley can replace fresh basil leaves.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 75 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Spicy Vodka Pasta, Quick Pasta Recipe, Creamy Pasta