Spaghetti O’s Inspired Vodka Pasta

This playful twist on a childhood classic combines Spaghetti O’s nostalgia with the creamy decadence of vodka sauce. A silky tomato-cream sauce is infused with garlic, butter, and vodka, then finished with Parmesan for that perfect umami-rich bite. Tossed with small ring pasta or anellini, it’s a grown-up comfort dish that’s easy to make and hard to resist.

Author: These Carbs Don't Count

Category: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Difficulty: MEDIUM

Prep. Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 2 bowls

Calories: 945 kcal per serving

Ingredients

½ pound - anellini pasta
2 tablespoon - unsalted butter
1 tablespoon - olive oil
2 cloves - garlic
3 tablespoon - tomato paste
1 shot - vodka
1 cup - heavy cream
⅛ - Salt
⅛ - Black pepper
½ cup - Parmesan cheese
¼ cup - reserved pasta water
⅛ - Extra Parmesan

Instructions

Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain.
In a pan over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to caramelize.
Pour in vodka and stir, letting it simmer for 2–3 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
Add heavy cream and mix until combined. Simmer for 7 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Top with extra Parmesan and serve warm.