Are you ready to transform your pasta night from ordinary to extraordinary? Imagine a sauce so luxuriously smooth, so rich with deep tomato flavors and a subtle vodka kick that it'll make your taste buds dance with pure delight! This creamy tomato vodka sauce isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary experience that will elevate your home cooking and impress even the most discerning food lovers. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy sauce that'll have everyone asking, "Who's the chef?"
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Pour vodka into the skillet and allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, which will help cook off the alcohol and concentrate the flavor.
- Add crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine with onions, garlic, and vodka. Reduce heat to low-medium and let the sauce simmer for about 10-12 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to reduce and develop a rich flavor.
- Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth and creamy texture. Ensure the sauce does not boil after adding cream to prevent separation.
- Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly to incorporate the seasonings.
- Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the sauce reaches a desired consistency and the flavors have melded together.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately over pasta, using a ladle to distribute the sauce evenly.
Tips
- Use high-quality ingredients: The simplicity of this sauce means each ingredient matters. Choose a good vodka and ripe, flavorful crushed tomatoes.
- Control your heat: When adding cream, keep the temperature low to prevent curdling. Gentle simmering is key to a silky-smooth sauce.
- Don't rush the alcohol reduction: Letting the vodka simmer helps burn off the harsh alcohol notes and concentrates the flavor.
- Season gradually: Add salt and pepper in stages, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect balance.
- For extra depth, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a fresh basil leaf during simmering.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a little pasta water when serving.
- Fresh garlic and properly sautéed onions are crucial for building a robust flavor base.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 65mg
