Pasta with Vodka Sauce & Variations (Serves 2)
Recipe: #11382
November 30, 2013
Categories: Shrimp, Italian, Sunday Dinner, Alcohol, Italian Dinner, more
"Sometimes the simplest of recipes are the best - and I think this is one of them. There are so many variations to this. Sometimes we go vegetarian and just have this without diced cooked vegetables, over penne pasta. Other times we add sliced chicken breast or Italian sausage. But our favorite is shrimp. We don't eat a large amount of any meat, so you might want to increase the amounts shown. Sometimes, I avoid the wheat and serve mine over rice (yeah, I know, it's not Italian. But it's good!). This recipe is for two servings, but it doubles and triples well."
Original is 2 servings
Ingredients
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- VARIATIONS: 1/4 lb spicy Italian sausage, cooked & crumbled OR 1/2 chicken breast, cooked and sliced OR 1 cup diced cooked vegetables (zucchini, carrots, cauliflower)
Nutritional
- Serving Size: 1 (471.1 g)
- Calories 661.2
- Total Fat - 16.3 g
- Saturated Fat - 4.9 g
- Cholesterol - 163.4 mg
- Sodium - 954.7 mg
- Total Carbohydrate - 101.8 g
- Dietary Fiber - 15.3 g
- Sugars - 5.5 g
- Protein - 26.5 g
- Calcium - 111.4 mg
- Iron - 2.3 mg
- Vitamin C - 34.7 mg
- Thiamin - 0.4 mg
Step by Step Method
Step 1
Prepare pasta per package instructions while making the sauce.
Step 2
Heat the oil in a skillet and add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook over medium heat until garlic sizzles and starts to turn golden but does not brown - about three minutes.
Step 3
Add the tomatoes, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4
Add the raw shrimp and cook for a few minutes, turning, until shrimp turns pink and is opaque. Do not overcook - this should only take a minute or two.
Note: if you are using the cooked chicken, sausage, or vegetables stir it in at this point and let it warm through.
Step 5
Add vodka and cream and return to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 minute.
Step 6
To serve, place pasta on individual serving plates and top with sauce. If you prefer, the pasta can be stirred into the sauce and served family-style in a big bowl. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top and serve immediately.
Tips
No special items needed.
Editorial Notes
The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.
- When selecting the canned tomatoes, try to find an organic, low-sodium variety for the best flavor.
- For the variations, use whatever combination of ingredients you like! You can also make this dish vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding extra vegetables.
- Replace the shrimp with tempeh: Tempeh is a great vegan protein option that can be marinated and cooked in the same way as shrimp. It will still give the dish a hearty texture, but without the animal protein.
- Replace the penne pasta with quinoa: Quinoa is a healthier option than pasta and is packed with protein and fiber. It also has a nutty flavor that pairs well with the tomato-based sauce.
Vegetarian Variation Omit the shrimp and add 1 cup of diced cooked vegetables (zucchini, carrots, cauliflower) and stir it in at the point where the shrimp would normally be added and let it warm through.
Garlic Bread - This classic Italian side dish is the perfect accompaniment to the pasta with vodka sauce. The garlic and butter in the bread will complement the creamy sauce in the pasta, making for a delicious meal.
Caesar Salad: This classic salad is the perfect addition to the meal, providing a light and refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta. The crisp lettuce, crunchy croutons, and creamy dressing will perfectly complement the flavors of the garlic bread and vodka sauce.
FAQ
Q: What type of pasta is best to use?
A: Penne pasta is recommended for this recipe, however, any type of pasta of your choice can be used.
Q: How long should I cook the pasta?
A: The cooking time for the pasta will depend on the type of pasta you are using. Check the cooking instructions on the package for the recommended time.
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Fun facts:
The vodka used in this recipe is a nod to the famous Italian-American actor Marlon Brando, who famously said “I coulda been a contender” in the movie On the Waterfront. Vodka sauce is his favorite pasta dish.
The origin of vodka sauce is unclear, but some believe it was created during the mid-20th century in Italian-American restaurants in the United States. It is believed to have been created as an adaptation of the classic Italian puttanesca sauce.