Pastina alla Vodka

Pastina alla Vodka is the ultimate bowl of comfort—creamy, cozy, and packed with rich, savory flavor. Tiny pasta stars are simmered directly in a silky vodka sauce made from garlic, tomato paste, cream, and broth. The sauce is seasoned to perfection and finished with butter and Parmesan, creating an indulgent, spoonable pasta dish that feels like a warm hug. Perfect for cold nights or when you need something nostalgic and satisfying, this recipe is simple but unforgettable.

Author: These Carbs Don't Count

Category: Pasta

Cuisine: Italian

Difficulty: MEDIUM

Prep. Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 2 bowls

Calories: 1,388 kcal per serving

Ingredients

3 tablespoon - butter
⅛ Dash - olive oil
3 cloves - garlic
4 tablespoon - tomato paste
1 shot - vodka
1 cup - heavy cream
⅛ - Salt
⅛ - Black pepper
½ teaspoon - garlic powder
½ teaspoon - onion powder
3 cup - chicken broth
8 ounce - dry pastina
½ cup - Parmesan cheese
⅛ - Drizzle of olive oil
⅛ - Black pepper

Instructions

In a pan over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp butter with a dash of olive oil.
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook until darkened in color.
Deglaze with vodka and simmer for 2–3 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
Pour in heavy cream and stir. Bring to a simmer and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Add chicken broth and bring to a low boil.
Stir in pastina and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more broth if needed until fully cooked and creamy.
Finish with 1 tbsp butter and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted.
Serve hot topped with more Parmesan, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.