Save A bold and creamy pasta dish featuring ditalini tossed in a spicy tomato-vodka sauce, finished with Parmesan and fresh basil. Perfect for those craving a comforting meal with a kick.
This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my home, perfect for weeknights when I want something rich yet simple to make.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) ditalini pasta
- Sauce Base: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 small yellow onion finely chopped, 3 cloves garlic minced, 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste), 1 tsp dried oregano
- Tomato & Vodka: 400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 60 ml (1/4 cup) vodka
- Cream & Cheese: 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream, 40 g (1/2 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
- To Finish: Salt and black pepper to taste, fresh basil leaves torn for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Cook ditalini according to package directions until al dente Reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) pasta water then drain pasta
- Step 2:
- Meanwhile heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Add onion and cook 3 4 minutes until softened
- Step 3:
- Stir in garlic red pepper flakes and oregano Cook for 1 minute until fragrant
- Step 4:
- Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes stirring frequently
- Step 5:
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and vodka Simmer for 6 8 minutes stirring occasionally until slightly thickened and the alcohol has cooked off
- Step 6:
- Reduce heat to low Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan mixing until smooth Season with salt and black pepper
- Step 7:
- Add cooked ditalini to the sauce tossing to coat If needed add reserved pasta water a bit at a time until sauce reaches desired consistency
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil
Save My family especially loves this dish because it brings warmth and a bit of excitement to our dinner table every time.
Notes
For extra heat add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal
Required Tools
Large pot Large skillet Wooden spoon Measuring cups and spoons Colander Chefs knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains milk (cream Parmesan cheese) and wheat (pasta) May contain gluten depending on pasta brand use gluten-free pasta if needed Check cheese labels for vegetarian compliance if required
Save This spicy vodka sauce ditalini is sure to become a favorite go-to for easy yet flavorful dinners.
Recipe Questions
- → What pasta works best with this sauce?
Ditalini pasta is ideal for holding the creamy spicy sauce, but small shapes like penne or rigatoni work well too.
- → How can I adjust the heat level?
Modify the amount of red pepper flakes to taste or add a dash of hot sauce for extra spice.
- → Can I omit alcohol in the sauce?
Yes, leaving out vodka still results in a flavorful sauce without the alcohol content.
- → What cheese is used in this dish?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is folded into the sauce for richness and served extra on top.
- → How do I keep the sauce creamy without separating?
Stir in heavy cream off the heat and combine gently to ensure a smooth, stable sauce.
- → Can this be made vegetarian?
It is vegetarian as-is, but check Parmesan labels to confirm no animal rennet was used.