Trying classy women’s recipes Episode 2 | This is such an easy dinner recipe for lazy weeknights & weekends. Also, Audrey is definitely a great cook and knows how to make a really good pasta recipe. Can’t wait to try more of her dinner ideas and other recipes!
SIDE NOTE: I doubled the recipe for the sauce to make it more rich, but you can just use the original measurement below.
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INGREDIENTS + METHOD
- 1/3 of an onion, diced
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (or a lot more if you want)
- 5½ tbs of unsalted butter
- 1 c of tomato puree
- ½ c of vodka
- ½ c of heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- 1 pound (500g) of penne pasta
- 1 ounce (30g) of parmesan, grated (or as much as you want, no judgement)
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- In a large pan, sauté the diced onion and pepper flakes in butter over medium heat.
- Add the tomato puree, reduce the heat to low, and cook for a few more minutes (the original recipe didn’t say for how long, so maybe around 3-5 minutes).
- Then stir in the vodka and cook the sauce down for 15 minutes.
- Add the cream once sauce has been reduced
- Cook pasta according to package instructions & then add it to the sauce.
- Turn heat up to high and pan fry for one minute, tossing to thoroughly coat the pasta.
Sprinkle the pasta with the Parmesan and enjoy!
#pasta #pastarecipe #dinnerideas #easyrecipe #easydinnerideas
Okay, so we all have those nights, right? The ones where you’re staring into the fridge, utterly exhausted, and the thought of cooking anything complicated feels like climbing Mount Everest. That’s exactly why I love this vodka pasta recipe. It’s truly my secret weapon for pulling off a delicious, satisfying, and yes, even elegant dinner with minimal fuss. When I’m looking for ‘something quick and easy for dinner,’ this is what immediately comes to mind, and it never disappoints. What makes it so perfect for those 'lazy' moments? First, the ingredient list is surprisingly short and uses pantry staples you likely already have. You’re not hunting down obscure items. Second, the method is incredibly straightforward. Sauté, stir, reduce, cook pasta, combine. Boom! Dinner is served. I’ve timed myself, and from start to finish, I can often have this on the table in under 30 minutes, especially if I've prepped my onion earlier in the day. That’s faster than most takeout! One of my favorite personal tweaks to really elevate this dish and make it feel extra *rich*, without adding much time, is just like the original recipe mentioned: doubling the sauce. Seriously, it makes all the difference. That creamy, tomato-infused sauce coats every single piece of pasta beautifully, making each bite feel indulgent. And speaking of indulgence, don't skimp on the parmesan at the end! A generous sprinkle not only adds a lovely salty tang but also contributes to that luxurious texture. It’s these little touches that transform a simple weeknight meal into something that feels truly special. Beyond just being quick, this vodka pasta is incredibly versatile. If I want to add some protein, I’ll often quickly sauté some shrimp or grilled chicken breast and toss it in at the end. For a veggie boost, a handful of fresh spinach wilts perfectly into the hot sauce, adding a bit of color and extra nutrients. You can even experiment with different pasta shapes – while penne is classic, rigatoni or even fettuccine work beautifully too, holding onto that rich sauce. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a gourmet chef, even when you’ve put in minimal effort. It really hits that sweet spot of being comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly sophisticated, proving that 'quick and easy' doesn't have to mean compromising on taste or quality. This recipe has been a lifesaver on countless busy evenings, delivering a truly perfect dinner every time. You’ll be amazed at how such a simple dish can bring so much joy and satisfaction to your dinner table.
