Vodka Sauce Recipe

Usually I cook with some kind of alcohol somewhere, it seems like a staple for our family. But this one really is much different using vodka instead of the Italian wines, and a good grade of vodka is a must. I like to use Absolute. This sauce is very heavy, and coats the pasta. I really love the flavor. It's not the usual tomato sauce, it's a little spicy, a little rich, but a nice alternative to Traditional Sunday Sauce. Every once in awhile we have to indulge. Thanks for stopping by, ciao Claudia

Vodka Sauce Recipe

1/4 pound (1 stick) butter
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup vodka
4 minced cloves garlic
1 can Italian crushed tomatoes
2/3 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup Romano cheese
1 cup heavy cream
Optional: fresh basil two or three leaves I like it fresh on top of pasta

Pasta, prepared according to package directions
Melt butter over high heat until bubbly; add garlic and red pepper flakes. Rapidly add vodka and simmer for 2 minutes. Simmer tomatoes with the 2 cheeses for 2 minutes, then add cream; simmer for 1 minute. Prepare pasta Rigatoni, mix completely with the sauce, and serve immediately. A great addition would be to add sauteed chicken or cooked mushrooms to the sauce and hot peppers.

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