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spicy vodka sauce for pasta

(14 RATINGS)
2.37K Pinches 9 Photos
MarthaRayDeen avatar
Charlotte, NC
Updated on Feb 27, 2023

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

Blue Ribbon Recipe

A super easy vodka sauce that's full of flavor. It's thick, robust, and has a slight kick. There's a hint of cayenne, but the heat is not at all overwhelming. Once prep work is done, the pasta sauce comes together very quickly. We served this vodka sauce over pasta alongside chicken cutlets for a hearty meal. It could easily be served over rigatoni pasta with a bit of freshly grated Parmesan on top for a special meal.

— The Test Kitchen
prep time 10 Min
cook time 30 Min
method Stove Top
yield 6-8 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 medium celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, extra virgin
  • 1/4 pound prosciutto or cooked bacon, very finely chopped
  • 3/4 cup vodka, quality you would drink
  • 28 ounces canned, crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 teaspoon oregano, dried flakes
  • 2 tablespoons parsley, freshly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon basil, dried (you can use fresh as well)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup half and half

How To Make spicy vodka sauce for pasta

Test Kitchen Tips
When we added 1/2 cup of half and half, it was still a bit thick. We used a whole pint.
  • Sauteeing onion, celery, and garlic.
    Step 1
    In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Cook onion, celery, and garlic in oil; stir until soft.
  • Adding vodka and prosciutto.
    Step 2
    Add prosciutto (or cooked bacon) and vodka. Simmer until almost all liquid is gone.
  • Tomatoes, cayenne, and herbs added to the skillet.
    Step 3
    Add tomatoes, cayenne, and herbs.
  • Sauce simmering in the skillet.
    Step 4
    Simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Adding half and half to the sauce.
    Step 5
    Stir in half and half and heat for 3 minutes.
  • Spicy Vodka Sauce poured over cooked pasta.
    Step 6
    Meanwhile, cook pasta (of your choice- I used penne) in boiling salted water until done. Drain. Serve sauce over noodles.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!

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