Quick Creamy Vodka Pasta (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Pasta Base
01 -
8 ounces penne pasta (about 2 cups dry)
→ Sauce Base
02 -
A splash of olive oil (about 1 tablespoon)
03 -
2 tablespoons butter
04 -
Half a small onion, finely chopped
05 -
1 plump garlic clove, minced
→ Creamy Sauce
06 -
1/4 cup vodka (any decent brand works fine)
07 -
1/4 cup good tomato paste (grab the kind in a tube if you can find it)
08 -
3/4 cup heavy cream (must be heavy cream for best results)
09 -
A good pinch of salt and fresh black pepper
→ Fresh Touches
10 -
Handful of fresh basil leaves, sliced thin
11 -
Fresh Parmesan cheese for grating over top
# Instructions:
01 -
Fill a big pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt (it should taste like the sea), and bring it to a boil. Drop in your penne and cook until just tender but still has a bit of bite.
02 -
While the pasta does its thing, grab a skillet and melt the butter with your olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and let it cook until it's soft and starting to smell sweet - about 5 minutes.
03 -
Add the garlic and let it cook just until you can smell it (about 30 seconds - don't let it brown!). Pour in the vodka and watch it bubble and dance for half a minute.
04 -
Stir in the tomato paste until everything's smooth, then pour in the cream. Turn the heat down to medium-low and let it all warm up together. The sauce will start to thicken pretty quickly.
05 -
Give the sauce a taste and add salt and pepper until it makes you smile. Toss in your drained pasta and basil, adding a splash of the pasta water if the sauce feels too thick. Serve it up hot with plenty of fresh Parmesan on top.
# Notes:
01 -
Don't skimp on the heavy cream - lighter options like half-and-half will make your sauce grainy
02 -
Keep a bit of pasta water before draining - it's liquid gold for getting the perfect sauce consistency
03 -
This makes enough for 4 regular portions - double up if you're feeding very hungry folks