Spicy Vodka Sauce for Pasta

Name: Spicy Vodka Sauce for Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6-8
Cuisine: American
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

By Martha Ray Deen
@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

Blue Ribbon Recipe

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. The Test Kitchen

Rating:

★★★★☆ 13 votes4

Comments:

52 Comments

Serves:

6-8

Prep:

10 Min

Cook:

30 Min

Method:

Stove Top

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
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How to Make Spicy Vodka Sauce for Pasta

Step-by-Step

In 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.
Add tomatoes, cayenne, and herbs. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Stir in half and half, and heat for 3 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook pasta (of your choice--I used Penne) in boiling salted water until done. Drain. Serve sauce over noodles.

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