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–+ servings

Pesto Pasta with Vodka

A delightful dish that combines rich flavors, creamy textures, and the freshness of basil, perfect for a cozy night.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 700 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 piece shallot, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1-2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup vodka
  • 3/4 cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought
  • 1 to taste Kosher salt
  • 1 to taste black pepper
  • 1 cup heavy cream or canned coconut milk
  • 3 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped

For the Pasta

  • 1 pound short cut pasta

Instructions
 

Create the Sauce

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and add the olive oil.
  • Add the finely chopped shallot, garlic, and oregano, cooking until shallots caramelize (about 5 minutes).
  • Lower the heat and stir in the tomato paste and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Add the vodka and cook for another 2 minutes, then stir in the basil pesto and cream, seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper.
  • Keep the sauce warm on low heat.

Cook the Pasta

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
  • Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
  • Before draining, scoop out 1 1/2 cups of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

  • Add the drained pasta to the vodka sauce in the skillet.
  • Pour in 1/2 cup of reserved pasta cooking water and the salted butter, tossing to combine until the butter melts.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, adding more cooking water if the sauce is too thick.
  • Serve the pasta on plates, topped with extra basil and cheese.

Notes

Serve with extra grated Parmesan on the side. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of water or cream to prevent drying out.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 700kcalCarbohydrates: 80gProtein: 16gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 16gSodium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6g
Keyword easy dinner, Pasta, Pesto, quick meal, Vodka
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