Ingredients
Creating this delightful dish doesn’t require a long list of ingredients, just a few simple, quality components that come together beautifully:
– Pasta of your choice (I love using penne, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand)
– Olive oil
– Garlic cloves, minced
– Crushed red pepper flakes
– Tomato paste
– Vodka
– Heavy cream
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper
– Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Each ingredient plays a role in crafting a sauce that’s rich in flavor and texture. The tomato paste gives it that vibrant red color reminiscent of the sunsets over Charleston, while the vodka adds a layer of complexity that elevates the dish to new heights.
Instructions
Creating this dish is as enjoyable as eating it:
1. Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant — just like the aromas that filled my family’s kitchen growing up.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, letting it cook until it darkens slightly, releasing its rich, sweet scent.
4. Pour in the vodka, and let it simmer, reducing slightly to cook off the alcohol while keeping all the delicious flavors.
5. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, allowing the sauce to thicken to a creamy consistency.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then add the cooked pasta, tossing to coat each piece with the luscious sauce.
7. Finish with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of basil leaves for that fresh, aromatic touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International