From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/4
Heart-Shaped Vodka Pasta
Instructions
1
Cook heart-shaped pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water and drain.
2
In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter with a dash of olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3
Stir in tomato paste and cook until it darkens in color, about 2–3 minutes.
4
Deglaze with vodka and cook for 1–2 minutes until the alcohol cooks off.
5
Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6
Add grated Parmesan and season with salt and pepper. Stir until the sauce is smooth.
7
Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Stir well until fully combined and creamy.
8
Top with more Parmesan before serving.
My Calorie Intake
Review & Earn
Be the first to review this recipe and earn a 20% Bonus
Level up & unlock free Premium by reviewing recipes!
My Notes
Your kitchen notebook is waiting.
Whether it's a recipe tweak or an inspiration burst — jot it down here.
Tips & Tricks (5)
- Bloom Your Tomato Paste 🍅Toast the tomato paste in olive oil for 2-3 minutes before adding other ingredients to deepen its flavor and remove any tinny taste, creating a rich foundation for your sauce.
- Vodka Flambe for Smoothness 🔥Add vodka to the hot pan and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes (or briefly flambe if you're comfortable) to cook off the harsh alcohol while retaining the flavor compounds that make the sauce silky.
- Reserved Pasta Water is Essential 💧Save at least 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining; add it gradually at the end to achieve the perfect sauce consistency that clings beautifully to delicate heart-shaped pasta.
- Butter-Finish for Luxe Texture 🧈Whisk in cold unsalted butter at the very end off-heat to emulsify the sauce into a velvety, restaurant-quality finish that coats each piece of pasta elegantly.
- Garlic Timing Prevents Bitterness 🧄Add minced garlic after the tomato paste blooms and cook for only 30-45 seconds before deglazing with vodka to avoid browning, which would create an unpleasant bitter taste in your delicate sauce.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Vegetarian
Low Sugar
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
More Recipes by These Carbs Don't Count
Check out more These Carbs Don't Count content!Browse These Carbs Don't Count recipes!
No Recipes Available
EXPLORE
Looking for more?
Use our smart searchtool, explore by category, or browse your customized food feed.