Spicy Vodka Sauce Pasta
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pasta shells reserve 1 cup pasta water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 shallot diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup vodka see note for making without
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 tbsp red pepper flakes adjust to preference
- 1 tsp salt adjust to preference
- 1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper adjust to preference
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup fresh Parmesan cheese
- fresh basil, chopped for topping
Instructions:
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Cook shell pasta according to package directions or al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining.
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Meanwhile, heat olive oil in saucepan on stove over medium heat.
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Once warm, add shallot and saute for two minutes.
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Add garlic and saute for another minute.
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Add tomato paste and stir to combine. Cook for another minute.
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Pour in vodka. Stir to combine with mixture. Reduce by half.
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Pour in heavy cream. Stir well. Once simmering, turn down heat slightly.
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Add red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir frequently until spicy vodka sauce thickens. A couple minutes or so.
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Add drained shell pasta to saucepan.
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Add butter, reserved pasta water and stir until everything is well combined and saucy.
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Add Parmesan and stir until melted and combined.
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Top with fresh basil and serve