Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your dinner routine forever! Rigatoni a la Vodka isn't just a pasta dish—it's a creamy, luxurious experience that combines the bold flavors of Italian cuisine with a touch of unexpected sophistication. This restaurant-quality recipe brings the magic of a gourmet meal right into your own kitchen, promising to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent and soft, 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.
- Carefully pour vodka into the skillet, allowing it to simmer and reduce by half, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This process will cook off the alcohol and concentrate the flavor.
- Add crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine with onions, garlic, and reduced vodka. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, creating a smooth, pink-hued sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain the cooked rigatoni and add directly to the sauce, tossing gently to ensure each pasta piece is evenly coated.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh torn basil leaves and optional grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Always use high-quality pasta and cook it just until al dente to maintain the perfect texture.
- Don't rush the vodka reduction—letting it simmer allows the alcohol to evaporate and concentrates the flavor.
- Use freshly minced garlic for the most vibrant taste, and be careful not to burn it.
- For an extra creamy sauce, use full-fat heavy cream and warm it slightly before adding to prevent curdling.
- Reserve a little pasta water before draining—it can help adjust the sauce's consistency if needed.
- Fresh basil is key for garnishing, so tear the leaves just before serving to maximize their aromatic impact.
- Optional but recommended: finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of richness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 597kcal
Carbohydrates: 73g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 30mg
