This pasta is one of my go-to dinner recipes since it is delicious, pretty cheap and serves a lot!
Because I make this recipe so much, most of the time I try to make it a little healthier than normal which is what I’m about to show you here! I will make notes along the way if you’d like to use the standard fully-indulgent recipe. 🙂
Spicy Vodka Pasta
This pasta is a creamy, spicy comfort food that almost anyone could enjoy. It is the perfect dish to cook for a dinner. Typically this recipe requires the use of cream, butter and TONS of cheese, but I am here to give you an alternative if you are trying to eat a little healthier! This recipe can even be made VEGAN-FRIENDLY if desired!!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb box mezzi rigatoni (other options: whole grain spaghetti, chickpea pasta, etc.)
- ½ cup olive oil extra virgin OR avocado oil
- â…” shallot
- 2.5 cloves garlic (or minced garlic)
- 9 oz tomato paste
- 2 tbs vodka
- 1 ¼ cup Silk non-dairy half&half* (heavy cream for richer option)
- 2-3 tbsp chili flakes
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup pasta water reserved
- ½ cup parmesan (sub vegan-parm for vegan-friendly recipe)
- 2 tbsp butter (omit this for vegan-friendly recipe)
Instructions
- Start boiling your pasta according to directions. MAKE SURE TO RESERVE 1/2 CUP OF YOUR PASTA WATER!
- With a food processor, pulse your shallots along with the garlic (unless minced).
- Heat your olive oil over medium heat for about 1 minute.
- Add in your garlic and shallots. Stir every so often for around 3-4 minutes or until translucent.
- Add in your tomato paste. Stir in until incorporated. Then add in your vodka. Mix this in until vodka disappears.
- Once the vodka is mixed in, stir in your Silk half & half (or heavy cream).
- Add in your chili flakes as well as salt and pepper.
- Toss all of your cooked pasta directly into to the sauce. Mix well. Add 1/2 cup pasta water and mix in again.
- Add in your parmesan (or vegan-parm). Then add your 2 tbs of butter (omit if vegan).
- Serve it up with some parmesan on top and a side of garlic bread. Enjoy!