Spicy Vodka Sauce Ditalini (Printer-friendly)

Ditalini pasta tossed in a creamy spicy tomato vodka sauce with Parmesan and basil.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz ditalini pasta

→ Sauce Base

02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tsp red pepper flakes
06 - 1 tsp dried oregano

→ Tomato & Vodka

07 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
08 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
09 - 1/4 cup vodka

→ Cream & Cheese

10 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
11 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

→ To Finish

12 - Salt to taste
13 - Black pepper to taste
14 - Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish

# How-To Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook ditalini until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water then drain.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and dried oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to deepen flavor.
05 - Pour in crushed tomatoes and vodka. Simmer gently for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly and alcohol cooks off.
06 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
07 - Add cooked ditalini to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
08 - Plate immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan and torn fresh basil leaves.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Bold and creamy flavor combination
  • Quick and easy to prepare
02 -
  • Substitute penne or rigatoni for ditalini if desired
  • Omit vodka for an alcohol-free version the sauce will still be delicious
03 -
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly
  • Cook vodka off fully to remove alcohol bitterness
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