This Vodka Sauce recipe is a homemade version of a classic Italian-American sauce. It’s rich, creamy, and perfect served over your favorite gluten free pasta. It’s quick to make, flavor packed, and the most wonderful comfort food!
Oftentimes, vodka sauce actually contains pancetta or bacon. If used, the process of making traditional vodka sauce begins with pancetta being cooked with onions or shallots and crushed red pepper before the other ingredients — such as the more well-known ingredients of tomatoes, cream, and vodka — are added.
My Favorite Penne Alla Vodka Recipe
I think of my childhood when I think of pasta with vodka sauce. One of my best friends and I used to order it before our weekly art classes, which made me look forward to art class that much more! There really is nothing better than the rich creaminess of vodka sauce over pasta. It’s a crowd pleaser and total comfort food!
Making it at home is so easy, so today, I bring you a creamy vodka sauce that’s loaded with shallots, basil, and garlic. You can add peas like I love in mine, or leave them out! It’s the perfect homemade vodka pasta sauce recipe and it takes just 10 minutes to prep! Plus, I give you dairy-free options if you need it!
- Butter: you can also use oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- Garlic: use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
- Shallots: onion will work as well.
- Red Pepper Flakes: use more or less as desired. Omit it if you really don’t like any spice!
- Vodka: any variety will work. If you’re making this gluten-free, make sure you use gluten-free vodka.
- Crushed Tomatoes: You can also use whole canned tomatoes and crush them by hand!
- Heavy Cream: for that creamy goodness. For a dairy-free option, swap for coconut cream or cashew cream. If using cashew cream, you may need more reserved pasta water.
- Parmesan Cheese: shred your own cheese for the smoothest texture.
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper: enhances the flavor of the sauce and adds an extra kick of heat.
- Pasta: anything pasta shape will work but I love pasta with ridges here.
- Pasta Water: helps smooth out the sauce before serving and let’s you reach your desired vodka sauce consistency!
- Basil: I love to garnish with fresh basil.
- Optional Meat: for a meaty version, add in prosciutto, pancetta, or even bacon. See the recipe card for when to add those!
- Frozen Peas: peas are optional but give this pasta dish some color, texture, and a boost of nutrition.
Variations For This Vodka Sauce Pasta Sauce
- Use another meat. Instead of prosciutto, pancetta, or bacon, try adding in another meat such as ground beef, ground pork, Italian sausage, or even add shredded chicken afterwards!
- Try it in another recipe. This homemade vodka sauce is a great way to switch up any recipe that uses marinara sauce. Try it in lasagna, baked ziti, sweet potato gnocchi, or chicken parmesan!
- Add veggies. Kick the nutrition up a notch by adding those peas mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or kale.
- Gluten-free. Use a gluten-free pasta variety and use gluten-free vodka!
- Make it dairy-free. Swap the butter out for oil and swap the heavy cream out for coconut cream or cashew cream. If using cashew cream, you may need more reserved pasta water. Omit the parmesan or sub it for a vegan parmesan cheese.
How to Make Easy (and Advanced) Vodka Sauce | Basics with Babish
FAQ
Does vodka sauce usually have meat?
What is vodka sauce made of?
Does vodka have pork?
Is the vodka sauce halal?
How to make Vodka sauce with ground beef?
Turn to Vodka Sauce with Ground Beef whenever you need a comforting family dinner. It’s easy to make and a meaty and satisfying meal with dynamic flavors. In a heavy-bottomed pan, add half the olive oil, then the meat. Cook on medium-high heat until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove meat to a bowl and set aside.
Can you make Vodka sauce with meat?
It’s bound to become your new favorite. Vodka sauce is typically made with tomatoes, vodka, cream, and aromatics. Most recipes aren’t made with meat, but it sure can be a delectable addition. In my vodka sauce recipe, the sauce is enriched with ground beef, transforming into a vodka bolognese sauce.
What meat goes with Vodka sauce?
There are many options for what meat to pair with vodka sauce. You could go the traditional route and pair it with chicken, beef, or pork. Or, you could get creative and try it with shrimp, lamb, or duck. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preference and what you think would taste best. Keep scrolling for more!
Does Vodka sauce taste like vodka?
Since the alcohol cooks out, vodka sauce doesn’t taste “booze-y.” Instead, the subtle heat from the vodka balances out the flavor of the tomato paste and cream and helps enhance the overall flavor of the sauce. So no, it doesn’t taste like vodka and it’s kid-friendly! Anything you want! I love gluten-free penne here.