Feb 11, 2023
spicy pasta alla vodka
20 minutes
4 servings
EASY
Ingredients
penne or pasta of your choice, 16 oz
shallot, 3 tbsp, minced
garlic, 2 cloves, minced
red pepper flakes, 1 tsp or to taste
tomato paste, 4 oz
vodka, 4 oz
heavy cream, 8 oz
butter, unsalted, 1 tbsp
reserved pasta water, 6 oz
parmesan cheese, grated, 4 oz
basil, 1 bunch, chiffonade, for garnish
granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water (should taste like the sea) to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic, and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add tomato paste and cook, stirring often, until it darkens in color and starts to caramelize, about 2–3 minutes.
Stir in red pepper flakes, a pinch of salt, sugar and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook for another minute.
Pour in the vodka and let it simmer over medium-low heat until it reduces and cooks off the alcohol, about 7 minutes.
Stir in the reserved pasta water and let it simmer for about 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add heavy cream and stir to combine. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, then stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the butter until fully incorporated for a glossy finish.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed.
Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, plate, and top with basil and extra Parmesan.
