This Pesto Vodka Sauce Pasta is a tasty mix of creamy and tangy flavors. With basil pesto and a splash of vodka, it’s a fun twist on regular pasta sauce!
The best part? You can whip this up in no time! I love pairing it with some garlic bread for a cozy meal. Who doesn’t love a creamy pasta night? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using rigatoni or penne for their ability to hold onto the creamy sauce. If you want a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta instead. Whole wheat pasta is also a great substitute for added fiber.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a nice depth of flavor, but you can use any cooking oil like canola or avocado oil if that’s what you have on hand.
Vodka: For the vodka, feel free to use a less expensive brand since it gets cooked down. You can skip it altogether if you prefer a non-alcoholic dish; just add more broth or extra tomato sauce!
Basil Pesto: You can easily make homemade basil pesto or buy it pre-made. If you’re avoiding nuts, look for nut-free pesto options or make your own using just basil, garlic, and olive oil.
Heavy Cream: If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
How Do I Make Sure My Sauce Isn’t Too Thick?
Getting the right consistency for your sauce is key to a perfect pasta dish. If you find that the sauce is too thick after adding the pasta, don’t worry! Just follow these steps:
- Add reserved pasta water a little at a time. Start with a couple of tablespoons.
- Mix well until the sauce reaches your desired creaminess. The starch in the pasta water helps thicken the sauce while keeping it smooth!
Don’t hesitate to taste as you go! Adjusting the liquid will ensure every bite is just right.
Pesto Vodka Sauce Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (such as rigatoni or penne)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1 cup tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup prepared basil pesto
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15-20 minutes of prep and cooking time. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, yet fancy enough for guests. You’ll have a delicious pasta on the table in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, which usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Make sure to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. This will help adjust the sauce later if needed!
2. Start the Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent. This base will add great flavor to your sauce!
3. Add Garlic and Vodka:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Carefully pour in the vodka, letting it simmer down for about 3-4 minutes until reduced by half. This will cook off the alcohol and infuse the dish with flavor.
4. Combine Tomato Sauce and Cream:
Stir in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes, giving time for the flavors to meld together. Then, lower the heat and add the heavy cream and basil pesto. Stir until all ingredients are well combined into a creamy sauce.
5. Season and Mix:
Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
6. Finish with Cheese:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. This step adds a rich touch!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Pesto Vodka Sauce Pasta immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Enjoy the creamy, flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with garlic bread or a fresh salad!
Bon appétit! Enjoy this culinary delight that combines the richness of vodka sauce with the freshness of basil pesto!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine, farfalle, or even whole wheat pasta. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the specific pasta you choose.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, just skip the bacon or meat if you find any. For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy milk, and use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or more cream to freshen up the sauce.
What Can I Substitute for Vodka?
If you’re not keen on using vodka, you can replace it with extra tomato sauce or vegetable broth. The vodka adds flavor, but the dish will still be delicious without it!
