She Strengthens

Pantry Staples Shine in This Quick and Decadent Pasta Recipe

Are you tired of scouring the grocery store for exotic ingredients? Look no further! This pasta alla vodka recipe is a game-changer, using only a few pantry staples to create a rich and creamy sauce.

The Power of Tomato Paste

Most vodka sauce recipes call for tomato sauce, but we’re shaking things up by using tomato paste instead. This concentrated flavor bomb is a must-have in your pantry, and it’s the key to unlocking a deep, velvety sauce.

A Chef’s Secret to Perfect Sauce

When cooking pasta, reserve about ¼ cup of the starchy pasta water. As you swirl it into the sauce, it thickens the mixture, coating the noodles with a luxurious sheen. This trick takes your dish from good to great!

Pantry Pasta alla Vodka Recipe

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb 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 Pasta to Perfection
   Boil the pasta according to package instructions.

2. Build the Flavor Base
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil to medium and add butter. Once melted, add pancetta and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes.

3. Soften the Aromatics
   Add garlic and shallot to the skillet, cooking until softened, 2-3 minutes.

4. Unleash the Tomato Paste
   Carefully squeeze in the tomato paste, using a wooden spoon to swirl and spread it around the pan. Heat for 2 minutes, moving it constantly.

5. Add the Vodka and Cream
   Add the vodka, mixing it with the tomato paste. Then, pour in the heavy cream, increasing the heat to medium-high. Swirl the cream into the paste, fully incorporating it. Add salt to taste.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce
   Strain the cooked pasta, adding it to the sauce along with the reserved pasta water. Toss until coated, then garnish with Parmigiano cheese.

Get Ready for a Taste Sensation!
This recipe comes together in the time it takes to cook the pasta, and the result is nothing short of decadent. With its rich, pink sauce and perfectly cooked noodles, it’s sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the oohs and aahs from your dinner guests!