Spicy Pesto Pasta alla Vodka
Spicy Pesto Pasta alla Vodka is a vibrant and flavorful dish that perfectly combines creamy vodka sauce with zesty pesto. This delightful recipe clings to your favorite pasta, creating a culinary experience that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish brings the essence of Italy to your table in just under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
- ½ cup vodka
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and sauté the minced garlic with crushed red pepper flakes until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Carefully add the vodka and let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for an additional 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Mix in the pesto sauce until well combined.
- Fold the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency. Toss to coat evenly.
- Serve hot, topped generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 245g)
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 90mg