She Strengthens

Transform Your Pantry Staples into a Decadent Italian Dish

Are you tired of staring at the same old ingredients in your pantry, wondering what to do with them? Look no further! This recipe for pasta alla vodka is a game-changer, using just a few humble ingredients to create a rich, creamy sauce that will impress even the most discerning palates.

The Secret to a Supremely Pink Sauce

While many vodka sauce recipes rely on tomato sauce, we’re going to take a different approach. By using tomato paste, a pantry staple that deserves more love, we can create a deep, intense flavor that’s simply irresistible. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make.

A Chef’s Trick to Elevate Your Dish

When cooking pasta, reserve about ¼ cup of the starchy pasta water. This might seem like an insignificant step, but trust us, it makes all the difference. As you swirl the pasta and sauce together, the pasta water helps to thicken the sauce, coating every strand of pasta in a velvety, indulgent glaze.

Pantry Pasta alla Vodka Recipe

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of your favorite pasta
• 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• ½ cup pancetta, minced (prosciutto or bacon can be substituted)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 shallot, minced (optional)
• 1 tube tomato paste
• 1 shot glass (3 Tablespoons) vodka
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, more to taste
• ½ grated Parmigiano cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook Your Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions.
2. Create the Sauce Base: In a large skillet pan, heat olive oil to medium and add butter. Once the butter melts, add pancetta and cook for 5 minutes until fat is rendered and pancetta is crisp.
3. Soften the Aromatics: Add garlic and shallot and cook until softened, 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Introduce the Tomato Paste: Carefully squeeze in the tomato paste and using a wooden spoon, gently swirl and spread it around the pan. Heat it for 2 minutes while you move it around.
5. Add the Vodka and Cream: Add the vodka and mix it to the paste. Then, add the heavy cream and increase the heat to medium high. Carefully swirl the heavy cream into the paste to fully incorporate. Add salt to taste.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Strain the pasta and add the pasta and the reserved pasta water into the sauce. Garnish with Parmigiano cheese and serve immediately.

With this recipe, you’ll be able to transform your pantry staples into a decadent Italian dish that’s sure to impress. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the oohs and aahs from your family and friends!