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spicy vodka pasta
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4.60 from 5 votes

Spicy Vodka Pasta

This easy Spicy Vodka Pasta is creamy, rich, delicious- and ready in under 30 minutes! My take on the viral Gigi Hadid vodka pasta recipe, this spicy and flavorful sauce is sure to be on heavy dinner rotation!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Dinner
Keyword: pasta, sauce
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • ½ lb orecchiette, or your favorite pasta shape 
  • 4 tablespoon butter
  • 1 small red onion, finely diced 
  • salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste 
  • 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced or minced 
  • ½ cup tomato paste
  • ¼ cup vodka 
  • 1 ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes 
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • ¼ cup reserved pasta water 
  • 1 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • fresh basil leaves, for serving

Instructions

  • 1. Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente in a large pot of salted water. Salt the water well before cooking the pasta (should taste like the ocean).
    2. Heat butter over medium-low heat in a large, deep sauté pan.
    3. Add the onions and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
    4. Add the garlic, stir and cook until just fragrant, 1 minute.
    5. Add the tomato paste and cook stirring occasionally, until darkened in color, 5 minutes.
    6. Add the vodka and cook until evaporated, about 1 minute.
    7. Add the heavy cream and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring well occasionally for 2 minutes, until slightly thickened.
    8. Add the drained cooked pasta and reserved pasta water, and toss to coat.
    9. Turn off heat, add parmesan and stir.
    10. Serve with additional grated parmesan and fresh basil leaves.