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Creamy Pasta for Two with Rich Vodka Sauce

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A quick and easy creamy pasta recipe for two featuring a rich, homemade vodka sauce that is smooth, tangy, and comforting. Perfect for intimate dinners or a cozy midweek meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 ounces (170g) penne or rigatoni pasta
  • Salt for pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) vodka
  • 1 (14-ounce/400g) can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) heavy cream
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves, roughly torn (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 9-11 minutes). Reserve about 1/2 cup (120ml) pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and red chili flakes. Cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  4. Pour in the vodka carefully. Let it simmer and reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add the crushed canned tomatoes. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  7. Add the drained pasta directly into the sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with torn fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Avoid overcooking the pasta as it will continue to soften in the sauce. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use fresh Parmesan cheese for best texture. Let vodka reduce slowly to avoid harsh taste. Keep cream cold until adding to prevent curdling.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pasta, vodka sauce, pasta for two, easy pasta recipe, homemade vodka sauce, quick dinner, penne pasta, rigatoni, comfort food

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/creamy-pasta-for-two-with-rich-vodka-sauce-easy-homemade-recipe/