Tomato Basil Vodka Shells

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.

Author: These Carbs Don't Count

Meal Type: Peanuts Free

Cuisine: Italian

Difficulty: MEDIUM

Prep. Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 2 plates

Calories: 1,160 kcal per serving

Ingredients

½ lb - pasta
2 tablespoons - butter
dash - olive oil
2 cloves - garlic
6 ounces - cherry tomatoes
Salt
3 tablespoons - tomato paste
1 shot - vodka
1 cup - heavy cream
Black pepper
Red pepper flakes
½ cup - grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup - fresh basil
Reserved pasta water

Instructions

Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
In a pan over medium heat, melt butter with a dash of olive oil.
Add minced garlic and cherry tomatoes. Season with salt and cook until tomatoes soften. Smash the tomatoes gently.
Add tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes until darkened.
Pour in vodka and stir well. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
Stir in heavy cream, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Add cooked pasta, a splash of pasta water, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. Stir to coat evenly.
Serve topped with more Parmesan and fresh basil.

Nutrition