Vodka Sauce Pasta. We make it often….easy and great!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra virgin)
• 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (softened)
• 1 whole Shallot (finely minced)
• pinch Salt (for seasoning)
• 1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 tube Tomato Paste (about 6 oz)
• 4 cups Water (for boiling pasta)
• 12 ounces Pasta Shells (dry)
• 2 ounces Vodka (good quality)
• 1 cup Heavy Cream (cold)
• little Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Basil (chopped)
• 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (additional, cut into cubes)
• 2 tablespoons Pasta Water (reserved from cooking pasta)

Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients

   Finely mince the shallot and garlic, chop parsley and basil, and grate the Parmesan cheese. Measure out all liquids and spices.

   Time: PT5M

2. Sauté Aromatics

   Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced shallot, a pinch of salt, and 1 tsp red chili flakes. Sauté 3 minutes until softened.

   Time: PT3M

3. Add Garlic

   Add the minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.

   Time: PT1M

4. Incorporate Tomato Paste

   Stir in the tube of tomato paste and cook 2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly.

   Time: PT2M

5. Boil Pasta

   Meanwhile, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add a generous pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil, then add the pasta shells. Cook al dente according to package, about 10 minutes.

   Time: PT10M

6. Add Vodka

   When the pasta is nearly done, pour 2 ounces of vodka into the skillet. Simmer 2 minutes to reduce the alcohol.

   Time: PT2M

7. Create Creamy Sauce

   Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, a big pinch of salt, and a little freshly ground black pepper. Simmer 3 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens slightly.

   Time: PT3M

8. Finish Sauce with Herbs and Cheese

   Add the chopped parsley, basil, and 1 cup grated Parmesan. Stir until the cheese melts and the herbs are evenly distributed.

   Time: PT1M

9. Combine Pasta and Sauce

   Drain the pasta, reserving 2 tbsp of the cooking water. Add the pasta to the skillet, toss in the additional 2 tbsp butter and the reserved pasta water. Cook 2 minutes, stirring, until the pasta is coated and glossy.

   Time: PT2M

10. Plate and Serve

    Transfer the pasta to serving plates, top with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

620

Protein

20 g

Carbohydrates

55 g

Fat

35 g

Fiber

3 g