This Creamy Vodka Pasta is part of Episode 5 of my Realistic Dinners Series — a collection of simple, cozy, and satisfying meals made with ingredients you likely already have at home. This version skips the actual vodka but keeps all the richness and flavor of the classic. It’s creamy, slightly spicy, and full of comfort, the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that tastes like something straight out of a restaurant kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
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Restaurant-style flavor: Creamy, spicy, and balanced with a hint of sweetness.
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Customizable: Works with any pasta shape and you can easily add your favorite protein.
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Perfect for weeknights: Minimal prep, maximum flavor.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
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1 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp butter
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1 onion, chopped
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2 garlic cloves, chopped
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1 red bell pepper, chopped
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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2 tsp paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp black pepper
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2 tsp chili flakes
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1 cube sugar
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1 cup reserved pasta water
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2 cups cream
For the Pasta:
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250 g boiled pasta of choice
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1 cup additional mix of pasta water and cream (for adjusting sauce consistency)
For Garnish:
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Fresh basil and oregano, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Base
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Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat.
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Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent.
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Stir in garlic and red bell pepper, and cook for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
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Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to remove its raw flavor.
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Stir in paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, chili flakes, and sugar.
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Pour in 1 cup of pasta water and mix until smooth.
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Reduce the heat and pour in the cream, stirring until fully combined.
Step 3: Combine with Pasta
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Add the boiled pasta directly into the creamy sauce.
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Toss gently to coat evenly.
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Add about 1 cup of the cream and pasta water mixture to adjust the consistency.
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Cook on medium heat for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the pasta.
Step 4: Finish & Serve
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Garnish with chopped basil and oregano.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
Creamy Vodka Pasta
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves chopped
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp chili flakes
- 1 cube sugar
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- 2 cups cream
For the Pasta:
- 250 g boiled pasta of choice
- 1 cup additional mix of pasta water and cream for adjusting sauce consistency
- Fresh basil and oregano chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent.
- Stir in garlic and red bell pepper, and cook for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to remove its raw flavor.
- Stir in paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, chili flakes, and sugar.
- Pour in 1 cup of pasta water and mix until smooth.
- Reduce the heat and pour in the cream, stirring until fully combined.
- Add the boiled pasta directly into the creamy sauce.
- Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Add about 1 cup of the cream and pasta water mixture to adjust the consistency.
- Cook on medium heat for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the pasta.
- Garnish with chopped basil and oregano.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need to add actual vodka to this recipe?
A: No! This version skips the vodka completely but keeps the same tangy, rich flavor profile.
Q: Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and mix it with fresh pasta before serving.
Q: What pasta type works best?
A: Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine are perfect choices since they hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
Q: Can I add protein?
A: Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy pancetta make excellent additions.
