Spicy Vodka Sauce for Pasta

By MarthaRayDeen -
@MarthaRayDeen

I typically make this Vodka sauce when serving my Parmesan Chicken, but it goes wonderfully with shrimp dishes or alone as a side. Use your favorite Vodka and enjoy a "dash" of the Vodka while you're cooking :P

Rating:

★★★★☆ 13 votes

Comments:

51 Comments

Serves:

6-8

Prep:

10 Min

Cook:

30 Min

Method:

Stove Top

Blue Ribbon Recipe

Notes from the Test Kitchen:
The flavors in this are just right. There's a hint of cayenne, but the heat is not at all overwhelming. It's a wonderfully flavorful sauce fit for a special meal.

Ingredients

1 medium: onion, chopped
2 medium: celery stalks, chopped
3 clove: garlic, minced
1/4 c: olive oil, extra virgin
1/4 lb: prosciutto or cooked bacon (very finely chopped)
3/4 c: vodka (of a quality you would drink)
28 oz: canned, crushed tomatoes
1/4 tsp: oregano, dried flakes
2 Tbsp: parsley, freshly chopped
1 Tbsp: basil, dried (you can use fresh as well)
1/2 tsp: cayenne pepper
1 c: half and half

How to Make Spicy Vodka Sauce for Pasta

Step-by-Step

1In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Cook onion, celery, and garlic in oil; stir until soft. Add prosciutto (or cooked bacon) and vodka. Simmer until almost all liquid is gone.
2Add tomatoes, cayenne, and herbs. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3Stir in half and half, and heat for 3 minutes.
4Meanwhile, cook pasta (of your choice--I used Penne) in boiling salted water until done. Drain. Serve sauce over noodles.