Grandma's Vodka Sauce

Indulge in the comforting, rich flavors of Grandma's Vodka Sauce, a timeless family recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, robust masterpiece. This versatile sauce starts with the perfect base of sautéed onions, garlic, and a touch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat, then builds depth with caramelized tomato paste and a splash of vodka to deglaze the pan. Fold in heavenly heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and aromatic basil for an irresistibly silky finish. Perfectly balanced with optional hints of sugar to temper acidity, this 30-minute recipe is ideal for busy weeknights yet sophisticated enough for special occasions. Whether draped over penne or fettuccine, this luxurious vodka sauce will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 teaspoons Red pepper flakes
• 6 ounces Tomato paste
• 0.5 cups Vodka
• 1 cups Heavy cream
• 0.5 cups Grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoons Kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoons Sugar (optional, for balancing acidity)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat until the butter is melted and just beginning to foam.

Step 2

Add the diced onion to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the tomato paste and cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes or until the paste darkens in color and caramelizes slightly.

Step 5

Carefully pour in the vodka, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze it. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the alcohol to burn off.

Step 6

Lower the heat to medium-low, and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

Step 7

Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.

Step 8

Taste the sauce and add the optional sugar if needed to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Step 9

Mix in the fresh basil at the end, reserving a bit for garnish if desired.

Step 10

Serve immediately over your favorite pasta (such as penne or fettuccine), and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(798.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1930.8

Total Fat 145.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 74.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 342mg	0%
Sodium 1463.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 55.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.6g	0%
Total Sugars 31.4g
Protein 26.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 569.1mg	0%
Iron 6.3mg	0%
Potassium 2036.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 80.1%

Protein: 6.4%

Carbs: 13.5%