Save A bold and creamy pasta dish featuring ditalini tossed in a spicy tomato-vodka sauce, finished with Parmesan and fresh basil. Perfect for those craving a comforting meal with a kick.
This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen whenever I want a quick yet impressive meal to serve friends and family.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) ditalini pasta
- Sauce Base: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 small yellow onion finely chopped, 3 cloves garlic minced, 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste), 1 tsp dried oregano
- Tomato & Vodka: 400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 60 ml (1/4 cup) vodka
- Cream & Cheese: 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream, 40 g (1/2 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
- To Finish: Salt and black pepper to taste, Fresh basil leaves torn for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ditalini according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) pasta water then drain pasta.
- Step 2:
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3 4 minutes until softened.
- Step 3:
- Stir in garlic red pepper flakes and oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4:
- Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes stirring frequently.
- Step 5:
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and vodka. Simmer for 6 8 minutes stirring occasionally until slightly thickened and the alcohol has cooked off.
- Step 6:
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan mixing until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Step 7:
- Add cooked ditalini to the sauce tossing to coat. If needed add reserved pasta water a bit at a time until sauce reaches desired consistency.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.
Save My family loves gathering around this dish especially on chilly evenings its the perfect comfort food that brings us together.
Tips for Perfect Sauce
Make sure to simmer the sauce long enough to cook off the alcohol for a smooth creamy taste without harshness.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete hearty meal.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days reheat gently on stove or microwave.
Save This spicy vodka sauce ditalini is ideal for weeknight dinners and will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Ditalini is ideal for holding the creamy sauce, but small tubular pasta like penne or rigatoni can be substituted effectively.
- → Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes to lower the heat without sacrificing flavor.
- → Is there an alternative to vodka in the sauce?
You can skip vodka altogether for an alcohol-free option; the sauce remains rich and flavorful.
- → How do I achieve a smooth sauce consistency?
Stir in reserved pasta water gradually until the sauce coats the pasta evenly and reaches your preferred thickness.
- → What garnishes enhance the final dish?
Fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan add bright, savory notes that complement the sauce perfectly.