Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Close up of vodka sauce recipe in saute pan.

Vodka Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 108 reviews
  • Author: Katya
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Total Time: 55 mins
  • Yield: 8 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Blend
  • Cuisine: Italian

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

Units Scale
  • 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
  • 1/23/4 cup half and half
  • 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
  • 16 oz. penne pasta
  • Fresh black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Stir in tomatoes and vodka and continue cooking the mixture for 5-7 minutes until slightly reduced, stirring occasionally.
  3. Then stir in the tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low and simmer partially covered for 20 minutes until reduced by half, stirring occasionally.
  4. In the meantime, cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  5. Transfer tomato mixture to a food processor or blender, add basil, and purée until smooth. Return sauce to the pan and stir in half and half. You want 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.
  6. Serve immediately with additional sprinkle of cheese and basil, if desired.

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