To make vodka sauce, follow these steps:
- Heat olive oil or a mix of olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions (or shallots) and cook until soft. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (optional) and cook for another minute.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook until it darkens slightly.
- Pour in vodka and let it simmer until it reduces by about half, stirring occasionally.
- Add canned whole or crushed tomatoes, salt, and sometimes balsamic vinegar. Break the tomatoes apart and let the sauce simmer until it thickens and reduces.
- Transfer the sauce to a blender or use an immersion blender to purée until smooth, then return it to the skillet.
- Stir in cream (half and half or heavy cream), and cook until warmed through and slightly thickened.
- Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, stirring until the cheese melts.
- Toss the sauce with cooked pasta and reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.
Ingredients typically include olive oil, onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, tomato paste, vodka, canned tomatoes, cream, Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, salt, and pepper. This creamy, flavorful sauce pairs well with penne or any favorite pasta.
