A little vodka sauce goes a long way in the flavor department! Take this Garganelli alla Vodka for example… Spectacular!
I don’t know about you, but sometimes spicy food is all that will do. And when I’m in the mood for a little heat – Dad’s vodka sauce never lets me down!
Of course you can adjust the heat to meet your tastes, but I like to know that there are more than a few measly red pepper flakes in my sauce. Yep, these flakes need to make a statement…they need to stand up and be counted…they need to let the world know that they’re here and they’re not going anywhere. That’s the vodka sauce I know and love.
With its signature crushed tomatoes, red pepper, vodka and cream (note: the cream doesn’t get added until right before you serve it) – this sauce simmers on low for a couple of hours so that its flavors meld and its spices intensify.
A hearty egg pasta, garganelli was born many centuries ago in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.
It was originally served on New Year’s Day only, but we get to enjoy this flavorful pasta made of semolina as often as we want! How cool is that?
This dish is dynamite served up in a big bowl with a crust of bread and a glass or two of wine.
And if you’re feeling really adventurous, make yourself a side of Italian Chicken and a Chopped Chickpea Salad.
That’s the best…
I think it’s time we turn up the heat!
Buon Appetito!
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Garganelli alla Vodka
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A little vodka sauce goes a long way in the flavor department! Take this Garganelli alla Vodka for example… Spectacular!
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2–28 oz. cans crushed tomatoes in puree
- 1 cup vodka
- 1 – 2 Tbsp. crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lb. tube pasta (i.e. garganelli, penne, etc…)
- Parmigiano-Reggiano, freshly grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a medium sauce pan over medium heat, add olive oil and chopped onion.
- Cook onion for a few minutes until it begins to soften.
- Add garlic and cook for a few more minutes until soft and golden.
- Add tomatoes, vodka, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
- Simmer on low heat for about 2 hours, stirring often.
- Stir in heavy cream just before serving.
- Cook pasta in a large pot according to directions (minus a couple minutes of cook time for the pasta to be al dente).
- In a large serving bowl, mix sauce with pasta.
- Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmigiano and chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately.
CIAO!
This dish looks so delicious! I will make it for my family tomorrow. Many thanks for sharing with us 🙂
Thank you so much! Enjoy!!
I like spicy food, but I’d go with 1 tsp of pepper flakes and then up it to taste. 1-2 Tablespoons is too much.
Spices are ingredients that I recommend folks use to their taste… I happen to love a spicy vodka sauce – 1 – 2 Tbs is appropriate.
I saw this on Instagram and knew I had to pop on over and see the post. Yum! This is a serious dish designed to knock some socks off! The sauce sounds amazing. I will have to try! Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Awh! So glad you did! I’m not sure if it’s the flavor or the heat – but our socks were definitely knocked off! We’ll call it a tie! Thanks for stopping by, Kim!!
I’ll take that spice way up Annie! Nothing a bottle of red can’t quench, right? I’ve been dreaming of pasta lately because I absolutely love it.. but then you tempt me even more with this fabulous recipe! I’ve not made vodka cream sauce in far too long.. it is time! Thank you for this my dear and such a fabulous giveaway! hooray!
I think it’s about time, my friend! This just might be the recipe to bring it back! Play a little Frank or Dino, pour the red and get cookin’! Have fun, my dear! 🙂
It’s funny, I’m actually not the biggest fan of vodka as a spirit, but in a tomato sauce it tastes completely different and I am ALL over it. I love the name of this dish…garganelli…I want to keep saying it over and over! Love how hearty + wholesome this dish is!
Hahahah! You know what is happening now? Garganelli is all I’m thinking….and it’s morphed into the Harry Potter scene where he says Diagon Alley like diagonally… Did you watch that? Do you remember that? Anyway…thank you so much my friend! And thanks for bringing me back to one of my favorite movies… 🙂
TOTAL comfort food! I love vodka sauce- it’s so creamy and tangy and satisfying. This looks delicious 🙂
You are right on, my friend! It is so satisfying! I could eat it by the spoonful! 🙂
This post has me totally craving a big old bowl of this vodka pasta for dinner! It looks outrageously delicious, Annie!
Awh! Thanks, my dear! 🙂
Annie – this is my kind of dish – I would eat this every day if I could. Just gorgeous!! Pinning!
It hits the spot every time!! Thank you, Geraldine!
I love vodka cream sauce! You really cranked up the spicy in your version, girlfriend! I so want some of this pasta right now and I just ate lunch! 🙂
I did crank it….sometimes I’m just a glutton for punishment! 🙂
This one’s a keeper! Ala Vodka sauce is one of my favs and I could literally pour it over everything. Yum!
You and me both, Karrie! This is some good stuff! 🙂
Annie, I thought nobody knew garganelli on this side of the planet 😉 , but you do, of course! And pairing them vith a vodka sauce, brilliant! It looks, and I’m sure it is, mouthwatering! And thanks for reminding people to eat their pasta al dente.
Oh my! I love garganelli! This meal has comfort written all over it! 🙂
I’ll definitely make pasta today after seeing this! Looks fantastic! Can’t wait to try the sauce!
Yes!! Enjoy! 🙂
My stomach is officially growling this morning! I’m not a huge fan of spicy food. Well, I like it but my stomach doesn’t. This carby deliciousness is almost worth the risk!! It looks so good!!
I know I’m biased but it almost is worth the risk! 😉 Actually, I don’t want to risk causing you any pain! 🙂 Thanks so much, my friend!
This hits the spot, carbs, spicy, comforting. I’ve not heard of garganelli before but love to try different pastas, they are just as much a part of the experience. Take Care.
So happy I made enough sauce for two meals…you don’t have to guess what we’re having tonight! Thanks, pal! 🙂
Good lord, I haven’t had breakfast yet and now I’m craving pasta. But not just any ‘ole pasta, it needs to be THIS, Garganelli alla Vodka! I loooove me some vodka sauce and spicy everything makes my skirt fly up, so I know I will absolutely adore this dish, Annie! Count me in for some crusty bread and a glass of vino (or two) too! This looks like pasta heaven! Cheers, dear friend! Xo
We are feeling the pasta this week! Love it!! Isn’t garganelli delicious? I just might have a new favorite pasta…until the next one comes along, of course! Thanks for stopping by with your sweetness! Cheers! xo
They look amazing !
Why thank you, Anita! I appreciate that! 🙂
Wow! I’ve never had a vodka sauce before….but it looks so tasty! I love all those red pepper flakes….there is a lot in there! I don’t know if it would be too spicy or not. I will need to make it with the full amount just so I know! For me, anything with pasta is a winner!
There are a lot red pepper flakes – have fun experimenting with the level! Thanks, my dear!!
My mouth is watering looking at this recipe this morning, Annie!! That pic with the sauce and the cream – gimme!! And I absolutely love spicy things. Bring it on. Love that you used a lot in this recipe. Can’t wait to try soon. Pinning. Have a great week there friend! xo
Thank you, Dawn! I have an idea – we’ll start the meal with your arancini and finish up with this vodka sauce… Doesn’t get any better than that!!
Your shots are gorgeous!! I’ve never seen that pasta but we live in the Midwest and you can’t get a lot of good Italian foods. Now my Honey and I can take a lot of heat so your vodka sauce sounds perfect!! Have a wonderful day!! Hope you are enjoying spring.
Thank you, Marisa! I think you and your honey would really love this! Spring is beautiful….how’s yours? 🙂
I can take a little heat, but I definitely have to be in the mood for it. This pasta looks gorgeous, Annie! I love the rich sauce. Definitely perfect comfort food in my mind. Wishing I had this for dinner tonight!
I know – the heat might be an acquired taste but you could certainly make it sans red pepper or with just a few flakes. Thanks, Gayle!!
I have never had spectacular before, but I love spicy food, and I love pasta too. Annie, this spectacular Garganelli alla Vodka for is calling my name. Yummy!
Everything you make is spectacular, my friend! Thank you so much, dear! 🙂