From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/4
Vodka Mac & Cheese Pasta
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.
My Calorie Intake
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Toast Tomato Paste First 🍅Cook the tomato paste in butter for 2-3 minutes before adding garlic to caramelize it, which deepens the umami flavor and reduces any metallic taste from the can.
- Deglaze with Room-Temperature Vodka 🍸Use vodka at room temperature rather than cold to prevent the pan temperature from dropping dramatically, ensuring proper flambe and alcohol evaporation for authentic flavor.
- Reserve Starchy Pasta Water 💧Save at least 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining; use it gradually to adjust sauce consistency and help the cheese emulsify into a silky, cohesive coating rather than becoming greasy.
- Temper Cheese with Cream First 🧀Mix cheeses into the warm cream sauce off-heat in small batches, stirring constantly, to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, velvety texture that coats every pasta piece evenly.
- Add Fresh Basil at Service 🌿Tear basil by hand just before serving and stir it in gently at the last moment to preserve its delicate oils and bright flavor, which would diminish if cooked with the sauce.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Vegetarian
Low Sugar
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
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