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

May 13, 2025

12 Ingredients
MEDIUM

This Vodka Sauce Mac & Cheese Shell Pasta is the ultimate mashup of creamy comfort and bold Italian flavor. It starts with a buttery, garlicky base and deep tomato flavor from tomato paste, balanced by a splash of vodka. Heavy cream and milk create a silky sauce that gets a triple cheese boost from cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Tossed with al dente pasta and loosened with pasta water, this dish is rich, cheesy, and absolutely addictive—perfect for Mac & Cheese Monday or any time you’re craving something decadent.

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

Vodka Sauce Mac & Cheese Shell 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 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
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Add vodka and stir to combine. Simmer to cook off alcohol.
5
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Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and let it simmer for a few minutes.
6
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Add the remaining 1/2 cup of cream and milk. Let simmer briefly, then add the cooked pasta.
7
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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.
Bite Tutorial

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Tips & Tricks (5)

  • Pasta Water Magic 💧
    Always reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining, as it's crucial for creating a silky, emulsified vodka sauce that clings perfectly to the shell pasta.
  • Vodka Sauce Depth 🍸
    Let the vodka simmer for 2-3 minutes to burn off the alcohol and concentrate the tomato paste's flavor, creating a more complex and refined sauce base.
  • Cheese Melting Technique 🧀
    Remove the sauce from direct heat before adding cheeses, and stir gradually to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Garlic Infusion Trick 🧄
    Mince garlic ultra-fine or use a microplane to ensure even distribution and prevent any harsh raw garlic bits in your sauce.
  • Shell Pasta Pro Tip 🐚
    Cook shell pasta just shy of al dente, as it will continue cooking when mixed with the hot sauce, preventing mushy texture.

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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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