Pasta is one of the most popular cuisines and is considered comfort food by some. Lots of people love it because of its versatility. 

If you have friends coming over for dinner, make this no-fuss pasta dish that everyone will love. The pasta sauce is extremely simple, comes together in a few minutes, and is very creamy! Vodka transforms the flavor of the sauce in a delightful way. 

Prep time: 5 min

Cook time: 15 min

Total time: 20 min

For 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 red onion
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 4 oz. parmesan or pecorino cheese
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1⁄4 cup double concentrated tomato paste
  • 1 can of peeled or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 2 oz vodka
  • 3⁄4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 lb. pasta of your choice

Instructions

  1. Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic.
  2. Grate the cheese.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan or pot and cook the onion on medium heat for 4 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile prepare a pot for cooking your pasta.
  5. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute stirring often.
  6. Add the tomato paste and cayenne and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  7. Add the vodka to deglaze the pan scraping well the bottom of the pot.
  8. Stir in the tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is reduced and thickened, about 10 minutes.
  9. Cook your pasta in salted boiling water for 2 minutes less than the indicated cooking time.
  10. Drain the pasta but reserve 1⁄4 cup cooking water.
  11. Add the pasta back to the pot with the sauce. Add the cream.
  12. Cook on low heat, mixing well, and add half of the parmesan and a little bit of water until you reach the desired texture.
  13. Serve immediately and top with the rest of the cheese.
  14. Feel free to add some fresh herbs such as basil to finish the dish.