Description

Now you can make this popular creamy pink vodka sauce right at home! Incredibly easy lightened-up recipe with olive oil, tomatoes, half and half, and fresh basil.

Ingredients

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3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium sweet onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
28 oz. can whole peeled tomatoes
1/3 cup vodka
1 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 cup fresh chopped basil
1/2 - 3/4 cup half and half
2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
16 oz. penne pasta
Fresh black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat; add onions and garlic and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute.
Stir in tomatoes and vodka and continue cooking the mixture for 5-7 minutes until slightly reduced, stirring occasionally.
Then stir in the tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down and the sauce looks noticeably thickened.
In the meantime, cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Transfer tomato mixture to a food processor or blender, add basil, and purée until smooth. Return sauce to the pan over low heat and stir in 1/2 cup half-and-half. Do not boil. You want a creamy and slightly sweet consistency. Start with 1/2 cup of half-and-half, taste, and add more if needed. Cook until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in parmesan cheese and then the cooked pasta. Toss to combine.
Serve immediately with additional sprinkle of cheese and basil, if desired.

Notes

Storing Leftovers: Refrigerate sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat gently over low heat. To freeze, store in an airtight container for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Keep in mind the half-and-half may separate slightly once thawed.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 cup sauce + 1 1/4 cup cooked pasta
Calories: 316
Sugar: 8.2 g
Sodium: 609.7 mg
Fat: 9.1 g
Carbohydrates: 53 g
Protein: 10.3 g
Cholesterol: 6.2 mg