From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/4
Vodka Sauce Mac & Cheese Shell Pasta
Instructions
1
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until slightly underdone. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant.
3
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes until deepened in color.
4
Add vodka and stir to combine. Simmer to cook off alcohol.
5
Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and let it simmer for a few minutes.
6
Add the remaining 1/2 cup of cream and milk. Let simmer briefly, then add the cooked pasta.
7
Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted. Add extra mozzarella for more cheesiness if desired.
8
Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and coat pasta evenly.
9
Serve hot with extra cheese on top if desired.
My Calorie Intake
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Toast Your Tomato Paste 🍅Cook the tomato paste in butter for 2-3 minutes before adding other ingredients to caramelize it and intensify its deep, sweet flavor—this is the secret to authentic vodka sauce complexity.
- Vodka's Real Purpose 🍸The vodka isn't just for flavor—it's a flavor amplifier that helps extract and carry fat-soluble compounds from the tomato paste; let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to cook off the alcohol while keeping the benefits.
- Cheese Emulsion Technique 🧀Add cheeses off-heat in order of melting point (mozzarella first, then cheddar, then Parmesan) while stirring constantly to prevent clumping and ensure a silky, cohesive sauce with no grainy texture.
- Strategic Pasta Water Use 💧Reserve pasta water before draining and add it gradually while tossing to achieve the perfect consistency—the starch acts as a natural emulsifier and helps the sauce cling beautifully to the shell pasta without thinning it out.
- Temperature Control for Cream 🔥Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer (never boiling) after adding cream and milk to prevent the dairy from breaking or separating, which would result in a grainy, separated texture instead of a luxurious coating.
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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