Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices? Then look no further! This Carbone Spicy Vodka Pasta recipe brings the iconic New York City experience right to your kitchen. It's surprisingly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this delicious and satisfying dish! This recipe offers a simplified version of the famous dish, making it accessible for even the most beginner home cooks. It's a quick dinner idea, a healthy meal option (when using whole wheat pasta), and a great example of delicious dishes you can make from scratch.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (linguine or spaghetti recommended)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1-2 red chili flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
-
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
-
Sauté Aromatics: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and chili flakes and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don't burn the garlic!
-
Build the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has slightly thickened.
-
Creamy Perfection: Stir in the heavy cream and vodka. Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Reduce heat to low to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick.
-
Combine and Finish: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Stir in the Parmesan cheese.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Spicy Vodka Pasta:
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta is key to a perfect dish. It should be cooked through but still have a slight bite.
- Adjust the Spice: Start with one red chili flake and add more to taste. You can also use a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Use Good Quality Ingredients: The flavor of this dish really depends on the quality of your ingredients. Use fresh herbs and good quality Parmesan cheese for the best results.
- Fresh Basil is Best: While dried basil works in a pinch, fresh basil adds a bright, vibrant flavor that elevates the dish.
Variations:
- Add Protein: Chicken, sausage, or shrimp would be delicious additions to this pasta. Add the protein during step 3 with the tomatoes and cook until done.
- Make it Vegetarian: Omit the meat and add sauteed mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian version.
- Cream Cheese Twist: For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in 2-3 ounces of softened cream cheese along with the heavy cream.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500 (depending on pasta type and additions)
- Fat: 20-25g
- Protein: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying weekend lunch, or an impressive meal for guests. Enjoy your taste of New York City!