143.8...Pasta alla Vodka

August 10, 2015

143.8...Pasta alla Vodka

My favorite kind of pasta sauce is the pink variety. It’s a combination of all things delicious and when you add a bit of vodka to it, it reaches a whole new level of fabulous! Friday night I whipped up The Pioneer Woman’s Pasta alla Vodka and it was everything I hoped for.

Pasta alla Vodka (Serves 6)

Recipe from The Pioneer Woman

Ingredients:

1 lb. pasta

2 Tbsp. olive oil

2 Tbsp. butter

1 whole medium onion, chopped finely

2-3 cloves garlic, chopped

3/4 cup (to 1 cup) vodka

1 can (14 oz.) tomato puree

1 cup heavy cream

1 pinch red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp. (to 1/2 tsp.) salt

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, being careful not to overcook.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. When butter is melted, add in chopped onion and garlic. Stir and allow to cook for two minutes. Pour in vodka. Stir and cook for three minutes. Add in tomato puree and stir.

3. Reduce heat to low and stir in cream. Allow to simmer, being careful not to overheat. Stir in red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.

4. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water in case sauce is too thick. Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to combine. Splash in a little water if it needs it. Stir in Parmesan cheese.

Printable Recipe

I served the pasta with Caesar salad and garlic bread. Great Friday night dinner!

Saturday breakfast:

We went to my husband’s company’s family picnic at Liberty Station. The kids played games and had a ball. I enjoyed a cheeseburger for lunch. I wanted a second one but was able to find the strength to restrain myself.