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!
You mean vodka, the alcoholic beverage?
The very one! 🙂
Yes, please – I’m on my way over for dinner! Glass of red wine and little crunchy french bread and this delicious pasta dish and I am set! Love it, Annie!
Come on over! Wine is poured! 🙂
Oooooooooh momma! You had me at vodka sauce. Dang lady, this recipe looks FANTASTIC! I don’t know what I’m drooling over most, your food photography or written recipe. Pinning!
Ooooooh yessss!! Thank you, friend! This one’s a keeper! Super simple and so delish!! 🙂
I can never resist vodka sauce, and this one looks outstanding!
Nope. Never! Thanks, Kevin!
I always love your pasta dishes! So authentic and delicious! This is one we’d all be devouring easily!!
This one is too easy to eat! Thanks, friend!
You put one cup of vodka in this luxurious sauce? Sign me up! OMG! You are really tempting me here with the spice factor and I might just roll up my sleeves and serve this for dinner tonight!
Yep! A whole cup! Its flavor is exquisite! Thanks, Milena! 🙂
I love the rich and vibrant colour of the vodka sauce! This pasta dish with wine and crusty bread sounds like the best kind of meal!
Definitely one of our favorites!! Thanks, Leanne!
I love the shot with the cream poured in….cause cream. Love that stuff…a little too much, lol. This looks so good, especially when paired with crusty bread and vino. So happy about the generous amount of chili in here. Just perfect. Have a wonderful weekend, my friend! XOXO
….cause cream. Enough said! Thanks, friend! XOXO
I LOVE vodka sauce, the spicier the better! Now if I just had a big plate of this for breakfast Id be ready to take on the day!
No better way to start the day! 🙂
Pasta perfection right here! I love vodka pasta 🙂 In fact, I could eat this one every single night and be a happy woman! Lovely.
Oh yes – I’m always happy on vodka pasta nights! Thank you, friend! 😉 🙂
My husband Tom loves spicy sauce Annie, so I’ll definitely need to make this one for him. Perfect with some wine and crusty bread, I totally agree! This is a hearty dish that never disappoints. Thanks for sharing Annie! Hope you have an awesome weekend!
This meal never disappoints! And a little bread and wine definitely top the experience off in fine fashion! 🙂
A little spice is always a hit in my house! This looks so fabulous and easy enough for a weeknight meal!
A little spice is always nice!! Thanks, friend! 🙂
I still love this today just as much (if not more) than I did when you originally published it, Annie!!! Vodka sauce is THE BEST and I LIVE for anything with a spicy kick! Is it bad I could just eat a jar of this sauce and call it dinner (possibly with a side of crusty artisan bread)? 😉 Cheers, friend! XO
Can you believe that was two years ago? Where does the time go? I’m so happy you like!! And I support the bread idea! 😉 XO
Wow, how did I not see this gorgeous and delish pasta recipe?? I’m loving all of the incredible spice in this recipe–no dialing it down for me! Meanwhile, does it feel a bit exciting and thrilling to be enjoying this recipe not on New Year’s Day? Oh yes! Did I tell you Annie, one time (or several), I’ve ordered a birthday cake for myself not on my birthday? Lol. Well, this special pasta is kinda like that–having something reserved for an occasion not on that occasion. It just makes the entire dish tastier. 🙂 Hope you have an awesome week! Thanks as always for sharing an amazing recipe. Pinning! xo
Hahaha! I love your idea for birthday cake not on your birthday! I need to jump on that bandwagon! Thanks so much for checking out the archives and leaving a kind word, my friend! So happy you love this …it’s one of my faves, too!! Have a great week! 🙂
Even though I cannot stand the way vodka smells, few years ago I tried this sauce – it was fantastic! I don’t know what’s their secret, but somehow tomatoes, vodka, and cream work well together ending up in this rich, flavorful, and slightly spicy sauce. Annie, it’s just 7 a.m. here, but I already need vodka:) Well done!
I agree! Something about that combination is a match made in heaven! I’m not opposed to vodka sauce at 7 a.m.! Thanks, Ben!
My favorite all time Italian pasta is Penne Alla Vodka. I order it every single time I am at an Italian restaurant.I have never made homemade vodka sauce, but it actually looks pretty simple and I like the Garganelli! Your photos are beautiful as usual. Thanks for sharing another delicious recipe! Cant wait to try this out 🙂
It really is very simple…and it tastes soooo good! We usually have it with penne too – but I saw the garganelli and had to have it! Thanks, friend!
I’ve never made vodka sauce. This dish looks so creamy and dreamy 🙂
Creamy and dreamy….ahhhh – yes! A perfect description! Thanks, dear! 🙂