Linguine with Vodka Cream Sauce

Elevate your pasta night with this indulgent Linguine with Vodka Cream Sauce, a luxurious blend of rich flavors and velvety textures. Perfectly cooked al dente linguine is tossed in a creamy tomato-based sauce, made irresistibly smooth with heavy cream, a splash of vodka for depth, and a hint of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. Garlic and olive oil create an aromatic base, while Parmesan cheese adds a savory finish, heightened by fresh basil for a hint of freshness. Quick and easy to prepare in just 35 minutes, this classic Italian-American dish is an impressive yet approachable meal, ideal for both weeknight dinners and date-night indulgences.

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz linguine
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 0.5 cup vodka
• 6 oz tomato paste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup reserved pasta water

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3

Carefully pour in the vodka and allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off the alcohol.

Step 4

Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for another 2 minutes until it darkens slightly and becomes aromatic.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and combined.

Step 6

Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted into the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 7

If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, stirring until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 8

Toss the cooked linguine into the sauce, ensuring each strand is well-coated.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil.

Step 10

Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1213.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2272.8

Total Fat 134.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 73.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 342mg	0%
Sodium 3235.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 143.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.0g	0%
Total Sugars 22.7g
Protein 44.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 558.7mg	0%
Iron 10.4mg	0%
Potassium 1958.2mg	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: 61.6%

Protein: 9.1%

Carbs: 29.3%