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 quickly become a family favorite, bringing warmth and spice to our dinner table whenever served.
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 34 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 68 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 Sharing this dish with loved ones has created unforgettable moments filled with laughter and full plates.
Notes
For extra heat add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Substitute penne or rigatoni for ditalini if desired.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, wooden spoon, measuring cups and spoons, colander, chefs knife and cutting board.
Allergen Information
Contains milk (cream Parmesan cheese) and wheat (pasta). May contain gluten depending on pasta brand use gluten-free pasta if needed. Check cheese labels for vegetarian compliance if required.
Save This spicy vodka sauce ditalini is both simple to prepare and wonderfully flavorful, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
Common Questions
- → What type of pasta works best in this dish?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini are ideal, but penne or rigatoni can be used as alternatives to hold the creamy sauce well.
- → How can I adjust the heat level?
Modify the amount of red pepper flakes to increase or decrease spice, or add a dash of hot sauce for extra kick.
- → Is it possible to make this dish without alcohol?
Yes, you can omit the vodka; the sauce will remain flavorful and creamy without it.
- → What can I serve alongside to complement the flavors?
A crisp green salad and garlic bread pair wonderfully, balancing the rich and spicy sauce.
- → How do I ensure the sauce reaches the perfect consistency?
Reserve some pasta water when cooking and add it gradually to the sauce while tossing the pasta to achieve desired creaminess.