Vodka Pasta Sauce

Submitted by sslaughter2011

"A delicious cream and tomato based sauce that uses vodka to bring out the flavors. Note: all of the alcohol cooks out."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 30mins
• Ingredients: 14
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 1 lb pasta, of choice (I prefer penne)
• 1⁄2 cup vodka (I use Smirnoff or comparable quality)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1⁄2 lb chopped ham or 1/2 lb prosciutto
• 1 1⁄2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons parsley flakes
• 3 tablespoons dried basil leaves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon italian seasoning
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 16 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (1/2 pint)
• salt and pepper, to taste

directions

1. Heat olive oil in a medium pot on 5/10.
2. Cut the garlic, onion, and herbs (if using fresh) while the oil heats up.
3. Saute the garlic, onion, seasonings, and ham/prosciutto until the meat is browned.
4. Pour in vodka with the browned ham/prosciutto.
5. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. While sauce is simmering, cook pasta according to package directions until al-dente.
7. After sauce has simmered for 10 minutes, most of the alcohol smell should have dissipated.
8. Stir in tomatoes and tomato sauce and simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes (or longer if desired, longer allows flavors to mix more).