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–+ servings
Creamy Vodka Pasta

Creamy Vodka Pasta: Your New Favorite Comfort Meal

This Creamy Vodka Pasta is a rich, flavorful dish that's perfect for dinner and a crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons Butter Use unsalted for better control over saltiness.
  • 7 cloves Garlic Minced; fresh garlic is best for optimal taste.
  • 1 cup Vodka Can be substituted with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes Canned or fresh, crushed to mimic canned texture.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust according to your spice preference.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Basil Chopped; dried basil can substitute at a third of the fresh amount.
  • 1 pint Heavy Cream Consider using half-and-half for a lighter option.
For the Pasta
  • 2 pounds Rigatoni Pasta that holds sauce well; penne is a suitable substitute.
For the Protein
  • 1/2 pound Prosciutto Can be substituted with bacon or omitted for a vegetarian option.
For the Finish
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Use freshly grated for the best texture and taste.

Equipment

  • Large Saucepan
  • Pot for boiling pasta
  • Large Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 7 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Pour in 1 cup of vodka and simmer for about 5 minutes, reducing the vodka by half.
  3. Stir in 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Stir in 1 pint of heavy cream and 1/2 pound of chopped prosciutto. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
  5. Boil salted water, add 2 pounds of rigatoni, and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
  6. Toss rigatoni with 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, then fold in the creamy vodka sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of cream to maintain creaminess.

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