Ingredients
– 1 pound short pasta (such as shells, elbow macaroni, bowtie, or penne)
– ¼ cup olive oil
– 2 cloves minced garlic
– 1 small diced shallot (or onion substitute)
– ½ cup tomato paste
– 2 tablespoons vodka (optional)
– 1 cup heavy cream (or thick oat milk/full-fat coconut milk for a vegan option)
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjustable or omit for less heat)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– ½ cup grated or shaved parmesan cheese (vegan parmesan can be used)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– ½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1-Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound short pasta and cook until al dente, following package times. Before draining, reserve ½ cup pasta water. Drain the rest and set pasta aside.
2-In a large skillet, heat ¼ cup olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 small diced shallot. Sauté 1-2 minutes until fragrant and soft.
3-Stir in ½ cup tomato paste and 2 tablespoons vodka (if using). Cook 2-3 minutes, letting the alcohol cook off and flavors deepen. The mixture will darken nicely.
4-Pour in 1 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
5-Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss with reserved pasta water, 2 tablespoons butter, and ½ cup parmesan cheese. Cook 1-2 minutes more until creamy and coated. Adjust seasoning.
6-Serve hot with optional basil or parsley garnish and extra parmesan. Dig in family-style!
Notes
🌶️ Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your preference.
🥥 For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut or oat milk and use vegan parmesan.
🍽️ Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency easily for creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Vegan option available
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
