Vodka Sauce

There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of pasta, and this Vodka Sauce has become a go-to in our house. I’ve made it countless times for my family, and it’s always a big hit. The vodka might seem like an unusual addition, but it plays an important role by enhancing the flavor of the tomatoes and giving this creamy sauce its signature silky texture. And don’t worry, the alcohol does cook off, making it family-friendly while still adding depth to the dish. (Although, the vodka can easily be left out for a delicious tomato cream sauce that still delivers on flavor if preferred. Your call!)

Easy Recipe for Vodka Sauce

This easy vodka sauce recipe makes a LOT and is incredibly budget-friendly, using simple pantry staples that are easy to keep on hand. While it’s perfect tossed with pasta (I love it with rigatoni or penne), this sauce is wonderfully versatile. Try it layered in lasagna, spooned over grilled chicken, or swirled into soups for a rich, tomatoey boost (be sure to check out the other serving ideas I’ve shared below). It freezes well, too, making it a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights. No matter how you serve it, I promise this homemade vodka sauce is always a crowd-pleaser!

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Vodka Sauce Recipe

This easy Vodka Sauce recipe is ready in just 15 minutes and is made from tomato paste, vodka, Parmesan, heavy cream, and other simple pantry ingredients!

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

Course Sauce

Cuisine American, Italian

Total Cost $8.47 Recipe/ $1.05 Serving

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 8 servings (½ cup each)

Calories 365kcal

Author Jennie Alley

Equipment

• Medium Skillet

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp olive oil $0.19
• 4 garlic cloves minced, $0.32
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper $0.07
• 12 oz can tomato paste $1.22
• ½ cup vodka 4 oz, $1.98
• 2 cup heavy cream 16 oz, $3.37
• 4 Tbsp salted butter 2 oz, $0.50
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese 4 oz, $0.74
• salt to taste, $0.04
• freshly cracked black pepper to taste, $0.04

Instructions

• Gather your ingredients.
• Heat olive oil in a medium skillet on medium heat. Once heated, add garlic and crushed red pepper, sauté for 30 seconds being careful not to burn garlic.
• Add tomato paste to the pan, stirring well for 1-2 minutes.
• Deglaze pan by adding vodka until all is absorbed into the mixture.
• Slowly stir in heavy cream, whisking mixture until smooth. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes.*
• Finish sauce by stirring in the cold butter and parmesan cheese and adding in salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy with your favorite pasta** or however you’d like.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*Once the cream is added, keep the sauce at a simmer. Don’t let it boil, or your sauce may become grainy and separate.

**Serve with 1 lb of your favorite pasta. Mix ½ cup of reserved pasta water into the sauce before tossing with the cooked pasta.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving (½ cup) | Calories: 365kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 31g | Sodium: 500mg | Fiber: 2g

how to make Vodka Sauce step-by-step photos

Gather all of your ingredients.

Sauté the garlic: Add 1 Tbsp olive oil to a medium skillet over medium heat. When the oil is heated, add 4 cloves minced garlic and ½ tsp crushed red pepper. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Make the sauce: Add 12 oz. canned tomato paste to the skillet and stir to combine. Stir well for 1-2 minutes to bloom the tomato paste (this helps deepen the flavor).

Deglaze the pan by adding ½ cup (4 oz.) vodka until it’s all absorbed into the mixture.

Now, whisk in 2 cups heavy cream. Keep whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and combined. Let it simmer (don’t boil) for 3-4 minutes.

Season to taste: Now stir in 4 Tbsp cold salted butter and ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Serve: Now serve with your favorite pasta (this sauce makes enough for 1lb of pasta), or see my serving suggestions below for more ideas.

Serving Suggestions

I almost always serve this quick vodka sauce with some sort of pasta. It’s a classic pairing that can be mixed with chicken, shrimp, or any protein you love, and it makes the easiest midweek meal EVER. But I’ve also tried this easy sauce in a few other ways that are just as satisfying:

• Swap it with the marinara sauce when making chicken Parmesan
• Try it as a pizza sauce with your favorite toppings (it’s SO good in our calzones recipe!)
• Drizzle it over grilled vegetables or meat
• Use it as a base for lasagna or any other baked pasta dish you love, like our baked mostaccioli
• As a dipping sauce for bread
• Swirled through homemade soups for a creamy, tomato flavor

Storage & Reheating

This vodka tomato sauce recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. Let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It also freezes well! Once cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 6 months. Reheat it on low (don’t let it boil to avoid it separating) in the microwave or on the stovetop, or use it as directed in your chosen recipe.

More Homemade Sauce Recipes

Easy Enchilada Sauce

$1.32 batch

Easy Marinara Sauce

$3.22 recipe / $0.40 serving

Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

$3.99 recipe / $0.67 serving

5 Minute Nacho Cheese Sauce

$2.78 recipe / $0.46 serving

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