Introduction
Indulge in a creamy vodka sauce that beautifully envelops radiatore pasta in this delightful recipe. With savory ingredients like garlic, shallots, and crushed tomatoes, this dish is a perfect balance of flavor and comfort. It’s an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, providing a rich and creamy experience that’s sure to please.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 8 ounces radiatore pasta
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium shallots, diced
– ¼ cup tomato paste
– ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or more, to taste
– ¼ cup vodka
– 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
– ½ cup heavy cream
– ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan
– Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– ¼ cup basil leaves, chiffonade
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the 8 ounces of radiatore pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and drain the pasta well.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 2 medium diced shallots to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until both are tender, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Spices
Stir in ¼ cup of tomato paste and ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Cook the mixture until fragrant, which should take about 1 minute.
Step 4: Incorporate Vodka
Carefully stir in ¼ cup of vodka, using a spatula to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Step 5: Add Crushed Tomatoes and Sugar
Stir in the 14-ounce can of crushed tomatoes and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Stir occasionally until the sauce is reduced and thickened, about 10 minutes.
Step 6: Add Cream and Cheese
Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream and ⅓ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture is smooth. This should take about 2 minutes.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, mixing until well combined. If necessary, add the reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Season to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 8: Serve the Dish
Serve immediately, garnished with ¼ cup of chiffonade basil leaves if desired.
Notes
Note 1: Cooking Pasta
Make sure your pasta is cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when added to the sauce.
Note 2: Adjusting Spice Levels
Feel free to adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
Note 3: Storage Suggestions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce, as needed.
Cook techniques
Boiling Pasta
Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. This method ensures the pasta is cooked evenly and prevents it from becoming mushy.
Sautéing Aromatics
Melt unsalted butter in a skillet over medium-low heat to sauté minced garlic and diced shallots. This technique enhances the flavors, making them fragrant and tender.
Deglazing
Add vodka to the skillet after sautéing aromatics. This process involves scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, which adds depth to the sauce.
Simmering
Bring the mixture of crushed tomatoes and sugar to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. This method allows the flavors to concentrate and the sauce to thicken.
Incorporating Dairy
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to create a smooth, creamy sauce. This technique adds richness and balances acidity from the tomatoes.
Tossing Pasta
Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet, adding reserved pasta water as needed. This helps achieve the desired consistency and ensures the pasta is well coated.
FAQ
What type of pasta can I use?
While radiatore pasta is recommended, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
Can I make this dish without vodka?
Yes, you can substitute vodka with broth or omit it entirely. The flavor will differ, but it will still be delicious.
How can I adjust the spiciness?
To make the dish less spicy, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. For more heat, feel free to add extra flakes to taste.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to substitute Parmesan with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or pasta water as needed.
Conclusion
This creamy vodka pasta with radiatore is a rich and inviting dish that beautifully balances the tanginess of tomatoes with the warmth of garlic and shallots, perfect for any occasion. The addition of vodka enhances the flavors while the heavy cream provides a luscious texture. Garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan, it’s a meal that is sure to impress.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Consider pairing the vodka sauce with different pasta shapes like penne or fusilli for a delightful twist.
Creamy Chicken and Spinach
Add cooked chicken and fresh spinach to the vodka sauce for a hearty variation.
Seafood Surprise
Mix in shrimp or scallops to elevate the dish, making it a sumptuous seafood delight.
Mushroom Medley
Incorporate sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor and added texture.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant can enhance the dish with additional nutrients and flavors.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a lighter, gluten-free version of this creamy dish.
Herbed Variation
Experiment with different herbs like thyme or parsley for a fresh twist on the traditional recipe.
