This is the best creamy and bright vodka sauce any of us in the test kitchen have ever had. The secret? Tomato paste. Tomato paste has a more concentrated flavor, and texture-wise, it makes for a smoother, almost velvety sauce your date will love.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp. butter
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 c. tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp. vodka
- Kosher salt
- 1 lb. tubed pasta, such as penne or rigatoni
- 1/2 c. heavy cream
- 1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
- Basil, for serving
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Directions
- Step 1In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add shallot and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, 4 to 5 minutes.
- Step 2Add tomato paste and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring frequently, until paste has coated shallots and garlic and is beginning to darken, 5 minutes.
- Step 3Add vodka to pot and stir to incorporate, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Turn off heat.
- Step 4Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 2 cups of pasta water before draining.
- Step 5Return sauce to medium heat and add 1/4 cup of pasta water and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add half the Parmesan and stir until melted. Turn off heat and stir in cooked pasta. Fold in remaining Parmesan, adding more pasta water (about a tablespoon at a time) if the sauce is looking dry. Season with salt if needed. Serve topped with more Parmesan and torn basil leaves.
PARKER FEIERBACH
