Vodka Cream Sauce

Creamy, indulgent, and irresistibly flavorful, this Vodka Cream Sauce is a luxurious twist on classic Italian-inspired comfort food. Featuring a rich blend of tomato paste caramelized to perfection, a splash of smooth vodka, and a velvety swirl of heavy cream, this dish delivers a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and creamy flavors. A touch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle kick, while freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce for a luscious finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for tossing with al dente pasta or using as a decadent drizzle over roasted vegetables or chicken. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan for an extra splash of color and flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this easy-to-make vodka cream sauce recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Nutriscore Rating: 49/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 0.5 cup vodka
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 4

Add the tomato paste to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it darkens in color and caramelizes slightly.

Step 5

Carefully pour in the vodka and stir to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off the alcohol.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in the heavy cream. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 7

Add the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 8

Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Step 9

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the cheese has melted into the sauce.

Step 10

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh basil, if using.

Step 11

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 12

Serve the vodka cream sauce tossed with cooked pasta or drizzled over your favorite dish. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(754.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1894.1

Total Fat 145.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 74.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 342mg	0%
Sodium 2051.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 46.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.5g	0%
Total Sugars 25.6g
Protein 25.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 568.4mg	0%
Iron 6.1mg	0%
Potassium 1958.9mg	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: 82.0%

Protein: 6.4%

Carbs: 11.6%