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These Carbs Don't Count
These Carbs Don't CountVerified

May 13, 2025

16 Ingredients
MEDIUM

This Vodka Mac & Cheese Pasta is the ultimate mash-up of comfort food classics. Tomato paste and garlic are cooked down and deglazed with vodka before being enriched with heavy cream to create a luscious, spiced sauce. Then comes the cheese—cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan—blended into a velvety coating for tender pasta shells. Fresh basil and a finishing sprinkle of parmesan bring it all together. It’s cheesy, creamy, and packed with rich flavor.

Vodka Mac & Cheese Pasta
Vodka Mac & Cheese Pasta
Vodka Mac & Cheese Pasta
Vodka Mac & Cheese Pasta cover
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/4

Vodka Mac & Cheese Pasta

By
These Carbs Don't Count
These Carbs Don't CountVerified

Ingredients

bowls
Milk and 5 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

1
|
Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
2
|
In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter with a dash of olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3
|
Add tomato paste and stir until it darkens in color, about 2–3 minutes.
4
|
Deglaze with vodka and cook for 1–2 minutes to burn off the alcohol.
5
|
Pour in heavy cream, mix, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
6
|
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
7
|
Add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until fully melted and smooth.
8
|
Add cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water. Mix well and cook for a few more minutes.
9
|
Garnish with chopped basil and more Parmesan before serving.
Bite Tutorial

Smart Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

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 Deglazing Technique 🥃
    When adding vodka, allow it to simmer and reduce by half to burn off the alcohol and concentrate the flavor, creating a more refined sauce base.
  • Cheese Melting Magic 🧀
    Remove the sauce from direct heat before adding cheese to prevent breaking or becoming grainy, and stir gradually to create a smooth, silky texture.
  • Pasta Water Power 💧
    Always reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining - it's liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency and helping cheese emulsify perfectly.
  • Layered Seasoning Approach 🌶️
    Build depth by adding garlic and onion powders in stages - some during sauce creation and a final pinch when mixing with pasta for multi-dimensional flavor.
  • Fresh Basil Finishing 🌿
    Tear fresh basil leaves instead of chopping to release more aromatic oils, and add them just before serving to maintain their bright, fresh flavor profile.

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About the Cook

These Carbs Don't Count

These Carbs Don't Count

Verified

Hi! I’m Angela and if you’re reading this you probably love carbs & pasta and you’ve come to the right place. I’m so excited to share delicious recipes, cooking tips, gluten free life & restaurant recs! Welcome carbies and subscribe for more content! Link above :)

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