Creamy Vodka Basil Marinara
Elevate your pasta night with this rich and creamy Vodka Basil Marinara sauce. Combining the robust flavors of crushed tomatoes with the aromatic essence of fresh basil, this sauce is enriched with a smooth half-and-half and a generous helping of parmesan cheese. The addition of vodka imbues the sauce with a pleasant depth, perfectly complementing any dish from pasta to chicken. Ideal for gatherings, this sauce is simple to prepare and offers a delicious homemade touch that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re dressing up spaghetti or topping off seafood, this versatile sauce will become a staple in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crushed tomatoes
56 ounces (canned)
Large onion
1 (finely diced)
Garlic cloves
4 (minced)
Fresh basil leaves
6 large (chopped)
Half-and-half
1 cup (ready to use)
Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup (grated)
Vodka
1 1/3 cups (ready to use)
Butter
1/2 cup (melted)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by finely dicing the onion and mincing the garlic cloves.
2
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion and minced garlic.
3
Sauté the onions and garlic for about 7 minutes, or until they become translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
4
Next, carefully pour in the vodka. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Allow it to boil for 1-2 minutes to evaporate some of the alcohol, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
5
Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet, then stir in the half-and-half and the grated parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
6
Allow the sauce to simmer on low to medium heat for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
7
Finally, remove the sauce from heat and gently fold in the chopped fresh basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8
Serve your creamy vodka basil marinara warm over your favorite pasta, chicken, or seafood dishes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Vodka Basil Marinara?
It is a rich and creamy pasta sauce that combines the robust flavors of crushed tomatoes with fresh basil, half-and-half, parmesan cheese, and a splash of vodka for depth.
What are the primary ingredients for this sauce?
The main ingredients include 56 ounces of crushed tomatoes, a large onion, garlic, fresh basil, half-and-half, parmesan cheese, vodka, butter, salt, and pepper.
How much vodka is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 1/3 cups of vodka.
Can I substitute the half-and-half?
While the recipe calls for 1 cup of half-and-half, you can use heavy cream for a richer texture or whole milk for a lighter version.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 56 ounces of canned crushed tomatoes.
How long do I need to sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic in butter for about 7 minutes, or until they are translucent and fragrant.
Why do you boil the vodka in the sauce?
Boiling the vodka for 1-2 minutes helps to evaporate some of the alcohol while concentrating the flavor.
How long should the sauce simmer after the vodka is added?
After the initial boil, reduce the heat to low and let the vodka mixture simmer for 10 minutes.
When is the best time to add the fresh basil?
The fresh basil should be folded in at the very end, after the sauce has been removed from the heat.
What kind of cheese goes into this marinara?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
Can this sauce be served with meat?
Yes, it is highly versatile and tastes delicious when served over chicken dishes.
Is this sauce compatible with seafood?
Absolutely, it is an excellent topping for various seafood dishes.
How much butter is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of melted butter to begin the sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe that is simple to prepare for any home cook.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves.
How should the onion be prepared?
The large onion should be finely diced before it is added to the skillet.
What is the final simmering time?
After adding the tomatoes, cream, and cheese, simmer the sauce for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What seasonings are recommended?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, adjusted to your personal taste.
Does the sauce thicken as it cooks?
Yes, the sauce will thicken slightly during the final 10-minute simmering stage.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
While fresh basil provides the best aromatic essence, you can use dried basil in a pinch, though the flavor profile will change.
What is the exact amount of parmesan cheese?
The sauce requires 3/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
What size onion is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one large onion.
Can I omit the vodka?
You can omit it, but the vodka adds a unique depth of flavor that defines the 'Vodka Sauce' style.
Is this sauce good for hosting guests?
Yes, it is ideal for gatherings and offers a homemade touch that impresses family and friends.
What is the total volume of tomatoes needed?
You need a total of 56 ounces of crushed tomatoes.
What is the recommended heat setting for simmering?
The sauce should be simmered on a low to medium heat setting.
How should the sauce be served?
Serve the sauce warm over your choice of pasta, chicken, or seafood.
How many basil leaves are used?
The recipe uses 6 large fresh basil leaves, chopped.
Should the butter be melted before adding onions?
Yes, melt the butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat before adding the onions and garlic.
What makes this sauce 'versatile'?
It is versatile because it can be used for classic pasta, as a topping for proteins like chicken, or as a base for seafood.