Recipe Bite Video - OnlineCook

May 13, 2025

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.

12 Ingredients

Ingredients

bowls

Warning0 allergens identified

Instructions

Cook pasta in salted boiling water until slightly underdone. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant.

Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes until deepened in color.

Add vodka and stir to combine. Simmer to cook off alcohol.

Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and let it simmer for a few minutes.

Add the remaining 1/2 cup of cream and milk. Let simmer briefly, then add the cooked pasta.

Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted. Add extra mozzarella for more cheesiness if desired.

Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and coat pasta evenly.

Serve hot with extra cheese on top if desired.

Bite Tutorial

Smart Nutrition

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)

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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