Ina Garten’s Vodka Sauce Recipe
This easy Ina Garten’s Vodka Sauce Recipe features crushed tomatoes, garlic, vodka, cream, parmesan, and basil for a creamy pasta dish ready fast.
Equipment
- Large sauté pan or skillet
- Medium pot for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Colander
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup vodka
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
Optional garnish:
- Extra parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Vodka
- Carefully pour in the vodka and allow it to simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes. This step allows the alcohol to cook off while concentrating the flavors.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes. The mixture should begin to thicken slightly and develop a deeper color.
Step 5: Add Cream
- Lower the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. The sauce will transform into a beautiful blush pink color that is signature to vodka sauce.
Step 6: Season the Sauce
- Add salt, black pepper, and parmesan cheese. Stir well until the cheese melts completely into the sauce.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Step 8: Finish with Fresh Herbs
- Stir in chopped basil and give everything one final gentle toss.
- Serve immediately with extra parmesan cheese and basil on top.