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Spicy Vodka Pasta (with or without vodka!)

This take on spicy vodka pasta can be made with or without vodka and easily made vegan or vegetarian! The perfect weeknight dinner or date night meal.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 457 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian , American

Ingredients

  • 16 oz shell pasta substitute any short pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 shallot substitute ¼ onion
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • 3 tablespoons vodka optional
  • 2 teaspoons red chili flakes
  • ½ cup heavy cream substitute coconut cream
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ cup Vegetarian Parmesan substitute vegan parmesan
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the pasta in it. Save half a cup of pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil. Add 1 diced shallot and sauté until aromatic (2-3 minutes). Then, add 3-4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until aromatic (about 30 seconds).
  3. Add ¼ cup of tomato paste to the skillet and stir to combine. Then, add 3 tablespoons of vodka and allow this to simmer for at least 7 to 10 minutes to cook the alcohol off (the vodka is totally optional, so if you're not using it, skip straight to the next step).
  4. Add 2 teaspoons of red chili flakes into the sauce followed by a cup of heavy cream or coconut cream. Stir to combine and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper and adjust to taste!
  5. Add your drained pasta into the skillet along with a couple of tablespoons of pasta water (as needed to create a thick sauce). Top with vegetarian or vegan parmesan and fresh, chopped up basil (optional). Serve hot!

Notes

  • Deglaze with vodka to add depth of flavor to the sauce. (Vodka is optional, but recommended.)
  • Balance the flavors with a pinch of sugar to enhance the savory flavors.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding as much red pepper flakes as desired.
  • Cook the pasta al dente in well-salted water. 
  • Use a starchy pasta like rigatoni or penne to thicken the sauce.
  • Reserve some of the pasta water to add to the sauce if it gets too thick.

Nutrition Information

Calories 457kcal (23%) Carbohydrates 61g (20%) Protein 14g (28%) Fat 15g (23%) Saturated Fat 7g (35%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 6g Cholesterol 33mg (11%) Sodium 631mg (26%) Potassium 338mg (10%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 740IU (15%) Vitamin C 3mg (3%) Calcium 139mg (14%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 457

% Daily Value*

Calories 457kcal 23%
Carbohydrates 61g 20%
Protein 14g 28%
Fat 15g 23%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 33mg 11%
Sodium 631mg 26%
Potassium 338mg 7%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 740IU 15%
Vitamin C 3mg 3%
Calcium 139mg 14%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.