Snowflake Pasta with Vodka Sauce

This Snowflake Pasta with Vodka Sauce is cozy, creamy, and festive—perfect for a special winter meal. Snowflake-shaped pasta is cooked until perfectly al dente, then tossed in a luscious vodka sauce made from butter, garlic, tomato paste, vodka, and heavy cream. Parmesan cheese brings a rich, nutty depth while garlic and onion powder add extra flavor. Finished with a splash of pasta water for that glossy, silky texture, this dish is a delightful twist on a classic that’s as fun to eat as it is satisfying.

Author: These Carbs Don't Count

Category: Pasta

Cuisine: Italian

Difficulty: MEDIUM

Prep. Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 2 bowls

Calories: 994 kcal per serving

Ingredients

½ pound - snowflake pasta
3 tablespoon - butter
1 tablespoon - olive oil
3 cloves - garlic
3 tablespoon - tomato paste
1 shot - vodka
1 cup - heavy cream
½ cup - Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon - salt
¼ teaspoon - black pepper
½ teaspoon - garlic powder
½ teaspoon - onion powder
½ teaspoon - dried parsley
⅛ - Reserved pasta water

Instructions

Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
In a pan over medium heat, melt butter with a dash of olive oil.
Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Stir in tomato paste and cook for a few minutes until darkened in color.
Deglaze the pan with vodka and stir to combine.
Pour in heavy cream and whisk until smooth. Simmer for 7–10 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
Add cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water. Mix until creamy and well combined.
Top with additional Parmesan before serving.