Simple Spicy Vodka Pasta with Tortellini

This spicy vodka pasta has to be one of my favorite recipes on my blog so far. It’s super creamy with just the right amount of heat, and it’s actually really easy to make! You already know anything with pasta is going to be a hit.

You can use whatever kind of pasta you have on hand with this recipe because the magic is in the sauce. Pair this dish with a protein of choice and you’ll have an amazing dinner. I cooked up some sausage in the air fryer, cut it up and tossed that into my spicy vodka pasta. If you’re in the pasta mood check out my Creamy Red Sauce Frozen Tortellini with Italian Sausage!

REASONS YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE THIS RECIPE

Simple – This entire dish comes together in “almost” one pot, with the exception of boiling your pasta in a pot of water. For the sauce all the magic happens in one pan.

Spicy – I’m a spicy lover kind of gal. The spice in the recipe isn’t unbearable but it gives a delicious heat to your pallet.

Vodka – Need I say more? Haha, I’m not really a drinker buuuuut since we’re busting out the bottle of vodka here you can make yourself a little drink while you cook! My favorite is Vodka and the 5 calorie Ocean Spray fruit juices! No judge zone here!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THIS SPICY VODKA PASTA

SUGGESTED EQUITMENT YOU MAY NEED:

• Measuring Cups & Spoons – If you like to follow things by the book you can measure out your ingredients. Although 90% of the time I’m just “measuring with the heart”.
• Large Frying Pan – This sauce is best cooked down in a large pan
• Big Pot – For your pasta of course.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THIS SPICY VODKA PASTA RECIPE

• Pasta – I used tortellini, but you can use whatever you normally have in the house. This recipe will work great with any type of pasta.
• Tomato Paste – This is what really makes the sauce, cooking it down is key for this recipe.
• Onion & Minced Garlic – With this spicy vodka pasta you need to chop your onion and garlic up nice and small.
• Butter – Butter always adds a depth of flavor to any sauce.
• Vodka – I’m a fan of Tito’s, but use whatever you normally have. You only need 3oz.
• Parmesan Cheese – I just use the kind in the jar, if you’re fancy and have a chunk of fresh parmesan cheese laying around you can use that.
• Salt, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Paprika – These are the spices that bring it all together.
• Heavy Cream – This is the creamy part in the sauce you can’t go without.

HOW TO MAKE THIS SPICY VODKA PASTA RECIPE

Start by grabbing a large pot and filling it with water, salt it heavily and bring it to a boil for your pasta of choice. Once the water is boiling, cook your pasta according to the box directions.

Make sure to reserve at least a cup of pasta water when your pasta is done, you might need it to thin out your sauce in the end. Using the pasta water is a great way to add flavor to the sauce as well.

Then chop up your onion and garlic into pretty small pieces , add your onions and butter to your large pan on medium heat and cook until your onions are translucent (about 5 minutes). Then add in your garlic, the tomato paste, and seasonings. Cook it down for about 10 minutes, stirring often. This is a very important to cook down the tomato paste. It will turn a dark red color and the onions will brown up very nicely.

Once everything is cooked down this is when you will add in the vodka. Stir in the vodka and cook down for about 3-5 minutes stirring well.

Then add in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. If your sauce is to thick for your liking, you can put in the reserved pasta water to thin it out.

You can add your pasta into the sauce pan or just ladle the sauce on your pasta. Whatever floats your boat!

THE BEST WAY TO STORE & REHEAT THIS SPICY VODKA PASTA

If you happen to have any leftovers you can store them in an air tight container for up to 4 days.

To reheat, you can get a small pot or pan and warm it up with a splash of heavy cream to bring back the creaminess!

You can also heat it up in the microwave and when you pull it out add a tiny splash of heavy cream. Be sure to add more parmesan cheese on top for a sprinkle of love!

FAQ’s RELATED TO THIS RECIPE

What does putting vodka in pasta do?

• The vodka helps keep a creamy texture in the sauce. It also doesn’t change the flavor as much as wine would.

Can kids have vodka sauce?

• With such a small amount of vodka, the alcohol will have cooked out during the cooking process. This is why when you add the vodka you need to cook it out for a few minutes in the hot pan.

HERE ARE A FEW RECIPES I THINK YOU MIGHT LIKE TOO!

• Creamy Red Sauce Tortellini with Italian Sausage
• Spicy Hummus Recipe without Tahini
• Franks Red Hot Crispy Baked Chicken

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