Homemade Vodka Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes & Basil
Homemade Vodka Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes & Basil
Ingredients
For the Vodka Sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 garlic, to 4 cloves, minced
- 1 pint fresh tomatoes, diced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
For Serving
- 1 pound pasta, such as penne, cooked al dente
- fresh basil, for garnish
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
⏱️ 10 min
- 2
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
⏱️ 2 min
- 3
Stir in the diced fresh tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and release their juices, forming a rustic sauce.
⏱️ 15 min
- 4
Add the tomato paste to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to deepen its flavor.
⏱️ 1 min
- 5
Pour in the vodka. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until the alcohol has cooked off and the sauce has slightly reduced.
⏱️ 3 min
- 6
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
⏱️ 1 min
- 7
Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Start with the recommended amounts and adjust as desired.
⏱️ 1 min
- 8
Stir in the chopped fresh basil. Cook for another minute to allow the basil to wilt slightly.
⏱️ 1 min
- 9
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vodka sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
⏱️ 1 min
- 10
Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Homemade Vodka Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes & Basil
For the Vodka Sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 garlic, to 4 cloves, minced
- 1 pint fresh tomatoes, diced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
For Serving
- 1 pound pasta, such as penne, cooked al dente
- fresh basil, for garnish
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
⏱️ 10 min - 2
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
⏱️ 2 min - 3
Stir in the diced fresh tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and release their juices, forming a rustic sauce.
⏱️ 15 min - 4
Add the tomato paste to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to deepen its flavor.
⏱️ 1 min - 5
Pour in the vodka. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until the alcohol has cooked off and the sauce has slightly reduced.
⏱️ 3 min - 6
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
⏱️ 1 min - 7
Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Start with the recommended amounts and adjust as desired.
⏱️ 1 min - 8
Stir in the chopped fresh basil. Cook for another minute to allow the basil to wilt slightly.
⏱️ 1 min - 9
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vodka sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
⏱️ 1 min - 10
Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.