Spicy Vodka Sauce Ditalini (Printable view)

Creamy ditalini with spicy tomato-vodka sauce, Parmesan, and fresh basil for a flavor-packed dish.

# What You Need:

→ 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 and black pepper, to taste
13 - Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish

# How To Make:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ditalini until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 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, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes.
05 - Pour in crushed tomatoes and vodka. Simmer for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and alcohol has evaporated.
06 - Lower heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
07 - Add cooked ditalini to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water gradually if sauce needs thinning.
08 - Plate immediately. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and torn fresh basil leaves.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Bold and creamy flavor
  • Comforting meal with a kick
02 -
  • Omit vodka for an alcohol-free version the sauce will still be delicious
  • Substitute penne or rigatoni for ditalini if desired
03 -
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency easily
  • Cook sauce until alcohol smell dissipates to avoid harsh vodka taste
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