- VE
These Carbs Don't Count
May 13, 2025
This Tomato Basil Vodka Shells is rich, luxurious, and absolutely packed with flavor. The sauce starts with garlic-sautéed cherry tomatoes that are mashed and simmered with tomato paste, vodka, and cream to create a luscious pink sauce. Elegant yet approachable, this dish is perfect for a special night in or impressing dinner guests.
14 Ingredients
Instructions
1
|
Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
2
|
In a pan over medium heat, melt butter with a dash of olive oil.
3
|
Add minced garlic and cherry tomatoes. Season with salt and cook until tomatoes soften. Smash the tomatoes gently.
4
|
Add tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes until darkened.
5
|
Pour in vodka and stir well. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
6
|
Stir in heavy cream, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened.
7
|
Add cooked pasta, a splash of pasta water, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. Stir to coat evenly.
8
|
Serve topped with more Parmesan and fresh basil.
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Vodka Sauce Magic 🍸Allow the vodka to simmer and reduce for at least 5-7 minutes to burn off alcohol and concentrate the flavor, creating a more refined sauce.
- Cherry Tomato Technique 🍅Gently crush cherry tomatoes with the back of a wooden spoon while sautéing to release their natural sweetness and create a more textured sauce.
- Pasta Water Power 💧Reserve at least 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining, as it's crucial for creating a silky, emulsified sauce that clings perfectly to the shells.
- Basil Bloom Trick 🌿Tear fresh basil leaves instead of chopping to prevent bruising and release their maximum aromatic oils right before serving.
- Cream Integration Hack 🥛Add heavy cream off the heat and stir gently to prevent separation, ensuring a smooth and luxurious sauce consistency.
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Tomato Basil Vodka Shells
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