Vodka Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups Mama’s Marinara Sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• ¼ cup vodka
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for extra richness, optional)
• ½ pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Garlic & Red Pepper Flakes
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn).
     
     
2. Deglaze with Vodka
   • Pour in the vodka and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the alcohol mostly cooks off.
     
     
3. Add Mama’s Marinara
   • Stir in Mama’s Marinara Sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
     
     
4. Make it Creamy
   • Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for another 3-5 minutes until the sauce turns a beautiful orange color.
     
     
5. Finish with Cheese & Butter
   • Stir in Parmesan cheese and butter (if using).
   • Season with salt & black pepper to taste.
     
     
6. Cook the Pasta
   • While the sauce is simmering, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
     
     
7. Toss & Serve
   

• • Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If needed, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
  • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
    

Serve & Enjoy!

Pair with garlic bread and a glass of white wine or a crisp Italian soda.