Name: Creamy Vodka Sauce: Your New Pasta Obsession!
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 28 ounces canned whole tomatoes (with juices, 1 can); ½ small onion (finely diced); 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter); 4 ounces pancetta (chopped, or bacon ½-inch dice); 4 cloves garlic (minced); ⅓ cup vodka; 14 ounces crushed tomatoes; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (or romano cheese)

This vodka sauce recipe features pancetta for a savory depth. It’s a rich, creamy pasta sauce perfect for a weeknight meal. Learn how to make it simply.

⏱ Time: 35 min

👥 Servings: 4-6

📊 Level: Easy

🥗 10 ingredients

Creamy Vodka Sauce: Your New Pasta Obsession!

Vodka sauce: master this rich and creamy pasta sauce in under an hour. Perfect for a gourmet weeknight meal, incredibly satisfying.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 30

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

28 ounces canned whole tomatoes (with juices, 1 can)
½ small onion (finely diced)
1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter)
4 ounces pancetta (chopped, or bacon ½-inch dice)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
⅓ cup vodka
14 ounces crushed tomatoes
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup heavy whipping cream
⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (or romano cheese)

Instructions

Using your hands, squish the whole tomatoes into a bowl to break them up (reserving the juices) and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, 3 minutes. Stir in the pancetta or bacon and continue cooking until some of the fat has rendered out, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook just until fragrant.
Add the vodka and bring to a low boil, let boil uncovered for 2 minutes.
Stir in the whole and crushed tomatoes (with any juices) and the pepper flakes. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
Stir in the cream and simmer for an additional 9 to 11 minutes or until thickened.
Remove from heat, and add the parmesan cheese and parsley. Stir, taste, and season with salt and pepper.

Notes

Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

Keyword vodka sauce

Pro tips

For the richest flavor, use good quality San Marzano whole tomatoes. Their sweetness balances the sauce beautifully.
When adding the vodka, ensure the heat is sufficient to allow it to reduce and mellow, cooking off the alcohol while leaving its distinctive flavor.
If you don’t have pancetta, thick-cut bacon diced into small pieces works wonderfully. Cook it until crispy to render out the fat and add texture.
To store, refrigerate leftover sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or cream if it’s too thick.

Indulge in this fantastic vodka sauce recipe and impress your family and friends with a restaurant-quality meal. Enjoy its creamy richness with your favorite pasta!