Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

$- 12 oz penne pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - Salt and black pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving For this vodka pasta, use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh basil adds a bright taste, while good olive oil brings richness. Choose penne pasta for its ability to hold the sauce well. Make sure the tomatoes are crushed, as they create the base of your sauce. Heavy cream gives the dish its creamy texture. Adjust the red pepper flakes to match your spice preference. Always season with salt and black pepper, as this enhances every bite. For serving, fresh grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory note that completes the meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add a good amount of salt. Salting the water helps flavor the pasta. For 12 oz of penne, you want to cook it until it's al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Follow the package time, usually about 10-12 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta, but save 1 cup of that water for later. Now, let's make the sauce. Take a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant, not brown. If it burns, it can taste bitter. Next, pour in a 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes. Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir well and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken and develop flavor. Once the sauce is ready, it’s time to mix in the pasta. Add the drained penne to the skillet. Toss it well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce looks too thick, use that reserved pasta water. Add it gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Finally, stir in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Enjoy your creamy tomato basil pasta! To make your vodka pasta creamy, use heavy cream. Heat it slowly to avoid curdling. When adding cream, lower the heat. This helps the sauce blend well. Make sure your pasta is hot when you mix it. This keeps the sauce smooth and rich. One big mistake is overcooking the garlic. It should be soft and fragrant, not brown. Brown garlic adds bitterness. Another pitfall is using cold cream. Always let it sit at room temp before adding. This helps it mix well with the sauce. Lastly, don’t skip the pasta water. It helps adjust the sauce and keeps it silky. Pair your vodka pasta with a crisp salad. A fresh Caesar or arugula salad works great. For wine, try a light Pinot Grigio. Its crispness balances the creaminess well. Don’t forget to sprinkle extra Parmesan on top. It adds a nice touch! Pro Tips Use Fresh Basil: For the best flavor, use fresh basil instead of dried. Add it at the end to maintain its vibrant taste and color. Adjust Spice Level: Modify the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference. Start with less and add more if needed. Save Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. It's starchy and helps to adjust the sauce consistency perfectly. Parmesan Alternatives: If you're out of Parmesan, try using Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. {{image_2}} You can make vodka pasta lighter by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. This swap cuts fat but keeps the creaminess. If you want to add proteins, consider mixing in cooked chicken or shrimp. They bring a nice texture and flavor to the dish. You can also try adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients and taste. To spice up your vodka pasta, use different types of peppers. For a mild kick, add crushed red pepper flakes. If you like it hotter, try adding diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. Adjust the amount based on your spice level preference. Remember, you can always add more heat, but it’s hard to take it away once it’s in. If you want a vegan version, replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. These plant-based options keep your sauce rich and creamy. For cheese, try nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. They add a cheesy flavor without any dairy. These swaps let everyone enjoy this dish, no matter their diet. To store your vodka pasta, let it cool down first. Place the pasta in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Always aim to use leftovers within three days for the best taste. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently. Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Stir often to help it warm evenly. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the dish and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to freeze vodka pasta, it’s best to do it before adding basil and cheese. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. Write the date on the bag. Use it within three months for the best quality. To thaw, leave it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Vodka pasta is a creamy dish made with penne pasta. It mixes crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, garlic, and vodka. The dish has roots in Italian-American cuisine. It became popular in the 1980s and offers a rich, savory flavor. The vodka enhances the tomato sauce and gives it a unique taste. You get a nice kick from the red pepper flakes, too. This dish is both comforting and simple to prepare, making it a favorite for many home cooks. Yes, you can make vodka pasta ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, combine them in a pan. Add a splash of pasta water to revive the sauce. Heat it gently on the stove. This method keeps the pasta from becoming mushy. You can also prep the sauce a day ahead. Just cool it before storing. This way, you save time on busy nights. You can use other types of pasta for vodka pasta. While penne is the classic choice, any short pasta works well. Fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle are great options. They all hold the sauce nicely. If you prefer long pasta, spaghetti or linguine can work too. Just be sure to adjust cooking times for different pasta shapes. You want it all to be al dente for the best texture. In this blog post, we explored how to make vodka pasta from scratch. We detailed the necessary ingredients, cooking steps, and the importance of quality and temperature. I shared tips for avoiding common mistakes and suggested variations for different diets. You can enjoy this dish by adjusting flavors and serving it with the right wine. Remember, cooking is about experimenting. Now, you have the tools to create a delicious vodka pasta that suits your taste. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with fresh basil and tomatoes.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
28 oz crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon sugar
0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
to taste Salt
to taste black pepper
for serving Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with red pepper flakes and sugar. Stir to combine and simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
Reduce the heat to low, and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until creamy and heated through.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Stir in the chopped basil and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Divide the pasta among plates and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for spiciness.

Keyword basil, creamy, pasta, tomato