Vodka Sauce Mac & Cheese

This Vodka Sauce Mac & Cheese fuses the rich, tomato-forward flavor of classic vodka sauce with the gooey comfort of mac and cheese. The garlic and tomato paste base gets brightened with a splash of vodka and cream, then rounded out with cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Finished with fresh basil and a touch of reserved pasta water, it’s silky, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. A pasta dish that’s indulgent yet refined—perfect for when you want comfort food with a little flair.

Author: These Carbs Don't Count

Category: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Difficulty: MEDIUM

Prep. Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 3 bowls

Calories: 915 kcal per serving

Ingredients

½ pound - pasta
4 tablespoon - unsalted butter
⅛ Dash - olive oil
3 cloves - garlic
3 tablespoon - tomato paste
1 shot - vodka
1 ½ cup - heavy cream
⅛ - Salt
⅛ - Black pepper
½ teaspoon - onion powder
½ teaspoon - garlic powder
1 cup - cheddar cheese
¾ cup - mozzarella cheese
½ cup - Parmesan cheese
⅛ Handful - fresh basil
¼ cup - reserved pasta water

Instructions

Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
In a large skillet, melt butter with a dash of olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Stir in tomato paste and cook until it darkens, about 2–3 minutes.
Deglaze with vodka and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the alcohol evaporates.
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir until melted and sauce is smooth.
Toss in cooked pasta and add pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Stir in fresh basil and cook everything together for a few minutes.
Top with extra Parmesan before serving.