Vodka Pasta Recipe and 13 Tasty Side Dish Ideas

If you love pasta, but tired of the classic recipes like Alfredo and carbonara, you should try this easy vodka pasta recipe.

Ingredients

- 400 grams pasta

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 3 tablespoons tomato paste

- 80 ml vodka

- 200 ml heavy cream

- Salt, to taste

- Black pepper, to taste

- Chili flakes, optional

- Grated cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and cook the pasta until al dente. Save one cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Then, add the chopped onion and cook until soft and lightly golden.

3. Add the garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add the tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes. Stir it often so it does not burn.

5. Pour in the vodka and let it simmer for 2 minutes to remove the alcohol taste.

6. Lower the heat and slowly add the cream. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

7. Season with salt, black pepper, and chili flakes if you like a little heat.

8. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Mix well. Add some pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

9. Serve hot with grated cheese on top.

Choosing the right pasta is important for a good vodka pasta recipe. The sauce is creamy and smooth, so the pasta should hold the sauce well and give a good bite.

1. Penne: Penne is the most popular choice. Its tube shape holds the sauce inside, making every bite rich and creamy.

2. Rigatoni: Rigatoni is larger than penne and has deep ridges. It works well if you like a thicker and heavier pasta feel.

3. Fusilli: Fusilli has a spiral shape that catches the sauce easily. It gives a nice texture in every forkful.

4. Farfalline: These small bow-shaped pasta pieces are good for lighter servings and look attractive on the plate.

5. Ziti: Ziti is smooth and long, allowing the creamy sauce to coat the pasta evenly without overpowering it.

To make your vodka pasta recipe even better, small cooking choices can improve the final result. These tips focus on technique, not basic kitchen rules.

1. Cook the Tomato Paste Longer: Let the tomato paste cook until it becomes darker and slightly thick. This step removes raw taste and creates a deeper, richer sauce flavor.

2. Simmer the Vodka Properly: Allow the vodka to simmer for at least two minutes so the alcohol cooks off. This leaves a smooth taste without a strong alcohol smell.

3. Add Cream Slowly: Pour the cream into the pan little by little while stirring. This helps the sauce stay smooth and prevents it from breaking or separating.

4. Control the Heat Carefully: After adding cream, keep the heat low. Gentle heat protects the sauce texture and helps all flavors blend together evenly.

5. Use Pasta Water Wisely: Add small amounts of pasta water to loosen the sauce. The starch helps the sauce stick better to the pasta.

6. Balance Sauce Thickness: Check the sauce before serving. Adjust with pasta water or extra simmering so the sauce coats pasta smoothly without feeling heavy.

7. Season at the End: Taste the dish after mixing pasta and sauce. Final seasoning at this stage gives more accurate flavor balance.

A good vodka pasta recipe tastes even better with the right side dishes. These sides add contrast in texture and flavor, making the meal more complete.

1. Garlic bread

2. Green salad with light dressing

3. Roasted vegetables

4. Grilled zucchini slices

5. Steamed broccoli with olive oil

6. Caprese salad

7. Bruschetta with tomatoes

8. Sautéed mushrooms

9. Simple cucumber salad

10. Grilled asparagus

11. Olive and cheese platter

12. Roasted bell peppers

13. Mixed bean salad