Pasta and no plans 🥰
Spicy Vodka Pasta 🌶️
Creamy, spicy, and packed with flavor—this Spicy Vodka Pasta is the kind of comfort food that makes you forget you’re at home and not in a restaurant. One pan with a whole lot of flavor!! 😋
Spicy Vodka Pasta with Shrimp
Ingredients
• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled & deveined)
• 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup vodka
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook Pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. Drain.
2. Sear Shrimp:
Season shrimp with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika and Italian seasoning.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil (or butter) in a large pan. Cook shrimp 1–2 min per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
3. Make Sauce:
In the same pan, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic & red pepper flakes. Stir in tomato paste and cook 2–3 min until deep red.
4. Deglaze & Cream:
Add vodka, stir and simmer for 2 min. Pour in cream, stir until smooth. Add parmesan, salt, and pepper. Let thicken 2–3 min.
5. Finish:
Toss in cooked pasta + reserved pasta water (if needed for consistency). Fold in shrimp, toss to coat, and serve hot. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Enjoy. 😊 #lemon8partner
If you love bold flavors and creamy textures, Spicy Vodka Pasta offers a delightful blend perfect for any pasta night. The vodka in this recipe is key—it helps release flavors from the tomato paste and adds a subtle depth without the dish tasting alcoholic since most of it cooks off. Using penne or rigatoni pasta is ideal because their shapes hold the rich, creamy sauce wonderfully. Adding shrimp brings protein and a light seafood taste that complements the spicy tomato cream sauce beautifully. For those preferring a vegetarian version, you can omit shrimp or swap with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables. When preparing the sauce, be sure to sauté the onions until soft and the garlic just fragrant to create a flavorful base. Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your heat preference; this dish balances creamy and spicy perfectly. A tip for extra creaminess is to use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick. Freshly grated parmesan and herbs like basil or parsley added right before serving give a fresh finish that brightens the dish. This recipe is perfect for those no-plan nights when you want something quick yet impressive. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and a glass of chilled white wine for a simple, satisfying meal. Making Spicy Vodka Pasta at home means you can enjoy restaurant-quality comfort food anytime. Plus, cooking it in one pan minimizes cleanup – a win-win for busy days!
