Spicy Vodka Sauce Ditalini (Printer View)

Ditalini pasta coated in a rich, spicy tomato and vodka sauce with Parmesan and basil.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz ditalini pasta

→ Sauce Base

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
06 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano

→ Tomato & Vodka

07 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
08 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
09 - 1/4 cup vodka

→ Cream & Cheese

10 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
11 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ To Finish

12 - Salt, to taste
13 - Black pepper, to taste
14 - Fresh basil leaves, torn

# Method Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ditalini until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain pasta.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
03 - Incorporate minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and dried oregano into the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add tomato paste to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes.
05 - Pour in crushed tomatoes and vodka. Simmer for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and alcohol evaporates.
06 - Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
07 - Add cooked ditalini to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
08 - Plate immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese and torn fresh basil leaves.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Bold and creamy flavor
  • Comforting meal with a kick
02 -
  • This dish contains dairy and gluten; adjust ingredients for dietary needs.
  • Omitting vodka still results in a delicious sauce.
03 -
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
  • Simmer vodka sauce long enough to cook off alcohol for best flavor.
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