One-Pan Pasta alla Vodka
This is a solid weeknight pasta that cooks everything in one pan - no need to dirty multiple pots. The vodka cooks out completely and just adds depth to the tomato base.
Ingredients
Ingredients (~6 servings)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup butter, divided
- 3 small shallots, finely minced
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 1/2 Tbsp Calabrian chili paste
- 12 oz high-quality tomato paste
- 3/4 cup vodka
- 2 cups pasta water
- 6 oz mascarpone
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 lb high-quality dried pasta, smooth tube shapes work best
- Kosher salt
- Freshly cracked pepper
- Parmesan cheese for serving
- Fresh basil leaves for serving
Instructions
- Bring salted water to boil and cook pasta al dente, reserving 2 cups pasta water.
- Heat olive oil and half butter in skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté shallots and garlic 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add Calabrian chili paste and cook 1 minute.
- Stir in tomato paste, cooking 4-5 minutes until deep red.
- Pour vodka, simmer 2-3 minutes to reduce.
- Add drained pasta, pasta water, mascarpone, cream, remaining butter.
- Stir until sauce smooths and thickens, 3-4 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve topped with Parmesan and fresh basil.
Notes
Add pasta water if sauce is too thick. Sauce should coat pasta but remain slightly loose.