Creamy Pink Pasta Delight with Vodka Sauce
Indulge in the luscious flavors of this Creamy Pink Pasta Delight, featuring a rich and velvety vodka sauce that's perfect for any occasion. This quick and easy recipe brings together the classic taste of tomato and basil with the smoothness of heavy cream and the kick of vodka, resulting in a delightful dish that elevates weeknight dinners to gourmet status. Whether you're entertaining guests or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this pasta dish is impressive yet effortless, using ingredients you likely already have on hand. Get ready to impress your taste buds with minimal effort!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
6 tablespoons (melted)
unflavored vodka
1/3 cup (none)
Classico tomato and basil pasta sauce
24 ounces (jarred)
heavy cream
8 ounces (none)
penne or ziti pasta
16 ounces (cooked al dente)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking your choice of penne or ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until foaming. Carefully add the vodka, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes, or until the alcohol is cooked off and the aroma of vodka has dissipated.
3
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the jar of Classico tomato and basil pasta sauce. Stir in the heavy cream, combining well until the mixture is a beautiful shade of pink. Allow it to heat through without boiling, stirring gently.
4
Once the sauce is warm, remove it from the heat and pour it over the cooked pasta. Toss to coat each piece of pasta evenly with the rich sauce.
5
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Pink Pasta?
Creamy Pink Pasta is a rich and velvety dish featuring a vodka sauce made by combining tomato basil sauce with heavy cream and butter.
Which pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
Penne or ziti pasta are the recommended choices for this recipe as they hold the creamy sauce well.
How much vodka is required for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of unflavored vodka.
Will the sauce taste like alcohol?
No, the vodka is cooked for about 5 minutes until the alcohol and sharp aroma have dissipated, leaving only a subtle flavor enhancer.
What type of tomato sauce should I use?
The recipe specifically suggests using a 24-ounce jar of Classico tomato and basil pasta sauce.
How much heavy cream is added to the sauce?
You will need 8 ounces of heavy cream to achieve the signature creamy pink consistency.
How much butter is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 6 tablespoons of melted butter.
What is the total amount of pasta needed?
You should use 16 ounces of penne or ziti pasta.
How should the pasta be cooked?
The pasta should be cooked according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture.
Can I boil the sauce once the cream is added?
No, it is recommended to heat the sauce through without boiling to maintain the proper texture.
What gives the pasta its pink color?
The pink color is created by stirring the white heavy cream into the red tomato and basil pasta sauce.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is described as a quick and easy dish that elevates weeknight dinners to gourmet status.
What are the recommended garnishes?
You can garnish the dish with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Should the sauce be prepared on high heat?
No, the butter and vodka are cooked over medium heat, and the sauce is finished over low heat.
Does this recipe use fresh or jarred sauce?
This recipe uses a convenient jar of pre-made tomato and basil pasta sauce.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: butter, vodka, tomato basil sauce, heavy cream, and pasta.
Can I use flavored vodka?
The recipe specifies unflavored vodka to ensure the best flavor profile for the savory sauce.
Is this dish considered Italian cuisine?
Yes, it is tagged as Italian cuisine and features classic flavors like tomato, basil, and pasta.
Is this a good recipe for entertaining guests?
Yes, it is described as an impressive yet effortless dish that is perfect for entertaining.
How do I ensure the sauce coats the pasta evenly?
Once the sauce is warm, pour it over the cooked pasta and toss it thoroughly to coat each piece.
What category of food is this recipe?
It falls under the categories of pasta, comfort food, and quick weeknight meals.
Can I use different pasta shapes like rigatoni?
While penne and ziti are suggested, rigatoni would also work well as it is similar in shape and texture.
How long do I cook the vodka and butter mixture?
You should stir the vodka and melted butter for about 5 minutes over medium heat.
When should I add the tomato sauce?
The tomato sauce should be added after the vodka has been cooked down and the heat has been reduced to low.
Is it necessary to drain the pasta?
Yes, you should drain the pasta after cooking it al dente and before adding it to the sauce.
Can I use half and half instead of heavy cream?
The recipe specifies heavy cream for a rich and velvety texture, but half and half could be used for a lighter version.
What type of butter should I use?
The recipe doesn't specify, but typically unsalted or salted butter can both be used depending on your salt preference.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, adding grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp would complement the vodka sauce very well.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the use of 16 ounces of pasta, this recipe typically serves 4 to 6 people.
Should the sauce be served hot?
Yes, the recipe recommends serving the pasta immediately once it is tossed in the warm sauce.