This Pesto Vodka Sauce Pasta is a creamy delight! The rich blend of vodka and basil pesto makes every bite burst with flavor. It’s a fun twist on your usual pasta night!
Who knew that a splash of vodka could make dinner so fancy? I love tossing in some fresh veggies or grilled chicken for extra yum. It’s quick to make and so tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rigatoni is great for this recipe. Its ridges hold the sauce beautifully. If you don’t have rigatoni, feel free to use penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. They all work well!
Vodka: This might seem like a surprising ingredient, but it helps bring out the flavors of the tomatoes. If you’d like to avoid alcohol, you can omit it entirely or use a splash of vegetable broth instead.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free option. The richness might be slightly less, but it’ll still be creamy!
Basil Pesto: You can use store-bought pesto, which is super convenient. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade pesto with fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, and nuts adds amazing flavor. Don’t worry if you don’t have nuts; just skip them!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best, but you can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative. Both will add a lovely cheesy flavor.
How Do You Make Sure Your Sauce Is Creamy and Delicious?
To create the perfect creamy sauce, pay attention to how you mix the ingredients. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Cook the garlic gently in olive oil. If you burn it, the sauce will taste bitter.
- When adding vodka, let it simmer briefly to eliminate the harshness of the alcohol.
- Mix the heavy cream in slowly and on low heat to avoid curdling.
- Feel free to adjust the sauce’s thickness. If it’s too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time. This helps everything blend beautifully.
Following these steps ensures your sauce is not only creamy but bursting with flavor!
Pesto Vodka Sauce Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta:
- 12 oz rigatoni or your favorite pasta
Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1 cup tomato sauce (preferably smooth)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 20 minutes. Just 10 minutes to prep and another 10 minutes to cook everything together, making it a quick and delicious meal option for any night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil. Once it’s bubbling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Don’t forget to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute. You want it to be fragrant but not browned, so keep an eye on it!
3. Add the Vodka:
Carefully pour in the vodka. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This step helps reduce the vodka and cook out the alcohol, allowing the flavors to enhance your sauce.
4. Incorporate the Tomato Sauce:
Next, stir in your tomato sauce. Mix everything well and let it simmer for around 5 minutes. This helps all those lovely flavors blend together!
5. Create the Creamy Base:
Now, reduce the heat to low, and very slowly add the heavy cream. Stir continuously as you do this. You want everything combined nicely to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
6. Add Pesto and Cheese:
Time to stir in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce is creamy and completely smooth. Yum!
7. Season the Sauce:
Take a moment to taste the sauce! Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. If you find your sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water a little bit at a time to reach your desired consistency.
8. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained pasta to your sauce, ensuring all the pasta gets nicely coated in that delicious sauce!
9. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your Pesto Vodka Sauce Pasta right away while it’s hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil leaves for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy your meal!
Delightful, creamy, and full of flavor—this Pesto Vodka Sauce Pasta is sure to be a hit!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is a great choice, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
What Can I Substitute for Vodka?
If you’d like to avoid vodka or don’t have any on hand, you can substitute it with a splash of vegetable broth or simply omit it. The sauce will still be delicious without it!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra cream or broth if needed to bring back the creamy texture.
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture!
