Ingredients
– 1 pound (about 450 grams) short pasta such as shells, bowtie, penne, or elbow macaroni (gluten-free or whole grain options can be substituted)
– ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small shallot, diced (or substitute with onion)
– ½ cup (120 grams) tomato paste
– 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vodka (optional)
– 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (can be replaced with thick oat milk or full-fat coconut milk for a vegan version)
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter
– ½ cup (50 grams) grated or shaved Parmesan cheese (vegan Parmesan can be used)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1-First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 1 pound of short pasta according to package directions. Be sure to reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining, as it helps blend the sauce smoothly. While the pasta cooks, heat ¼ cup of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2-Next, add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 diced shallot to the skillet, cooking them for about 5 minutes until they’re fragrant. Then, stir in ½ cup of tomato paste and cook for another 3 minutes, stirring often to avoid burning. If you’re using it, add 2 tablespoons of vodka now to enhance the flavors.
3-Finishing Touches Once the tomato paste is ready, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, mixing everything well for a creamy base. Add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, 2 tablespoons of butter, and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Season with salt and pepper, then cook for 1 more minute while stirring constantly.
4-Remove from heat and serve right away, perhaps with fresh basil or extra Parmesan on top.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🧂 Salt your pasta water generously – it should taste like sea water for the best flavored pasta
🌿 Add fresh basil or parsley at the end for bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness
🥛 For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk or use plant-based alternatives
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 14
- Cholesterol: 75