Creamy Tomato Vodka Pasta

Ingredients

• 350g (12 oz) penne pasta 350g (12 oz) penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vodka 1/2 cup (120ml) vodka
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 480 kcal / 2009 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 58g, 6g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.
4. 4.
   Pour in the tomato sauce and vodka, stirring well to combine. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until it is evenly coated with the creamy tomato vodka sauce.
7. 7.
   Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomato sauce — Use a high-quality tomato sauce for the best flavor. Look for one that is made with ripe tomatoes and minimal additives.
• Vodka — Opt for a smooth and neutral vodka to ensure it blends seamlessly with the other ingredients.
• Penne pasta — Cook the penne until al dente to maintain its texture and prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Fresh basil leaves — Tear the basil leaves just before garnishing to release their aromatic oils.
• Parmesan cheese — Grate the Parmesan cheese fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk.
• Add cooked chicken or shrimp to make it a heartier meal.
• Serve the pasta with a side of garlic bread to complement the flavors.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day, but the sauce may thicken. Simply add a splash of milk or cream while reheating to restore the creamy consistency.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Tomato Vodka Pasta in individual bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Accompany it with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, twirl a forkful of pasta onto a serving spoon and gently place it in the center of the bowl. This creates an elegant mound of pasta that showcases the creamy sauce. Sprinkle some fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese on top for a pop of color.