Simmered in vodka, tomatoes, and cream, this romantic dish brings all the flavors of Italy right into your own home.
Few things are as romantic as Italy and Italian food. If you're looking for a romantic Valentine's dinner idea, look no further than this delicious Vodka Cream Pasta, inspired by the one and only Rachel Ray! This pasta is intensely flavorful and creamy - definitely a dish your date will indulge in. Although vodka is flavorless, it releases new flavors as it unlocks the flavors in the tomato sauce, thus bringing out a richer tasting sauce. If you've never tried a true vodka cream sauce, now is the time. You will not only thank yourself, but your date this weekend sure will thank you, too (and beg you for seconds).
Vodka Cream Pasta
PrepTime: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 shallots, minced
1 cup vodka
1 cup chicken stock
1 can (32 ounces) crushed tomatoes
Coarse salt and pepper
16 ounces penne pasta
1/2 cup heavy cream
20 leaves fresh basil, shredded or torn
Garlic bread, for dipping
DIRECTIONS
Heat oil, butter, garlic, and shallots in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute fr 3-5 minutes, or until shallots get tender. Pour in the vodka in a swirling motion. Reduce the vodka by half (3 minutes or so). Add in the chicken stock and tomatoes. Stir slowly, and bring to a slight boil. Reduce heat to low, and allow sauce to simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
While sauce is simmering, cook the penne pasta until al dente.
Return to skillet. Gradually, stir the cream into the sauce. Once sauce starts to bubble, remove it from the heat. Drain your pasta and dump pasta into sauce. Coat pasta with sauce and top with fresh parmesan and basil leaves.
Stir cream into sauce. When sauce returns to a bubble, remove it from heat. Drain pasta. Toss hot pasta with sauce and basil leaves. Serve with garlic (or crusty) bread for dipping. Enjoy!