spicy vodka pasta

happy summer foodie friends… i know summer isn’t just about grilling and bbq. summer is the perfect time for pasta! i mean there isn’t a time of year when pasta is a bad idea 😂. my twist on this classic italian classic, is great for summer. pasta tossed in a spicy tomato vodka sauce that’s creamy and all you need this summer.

ingredients

16oz rigatoni pasta

3 tbs oilve oil

1 medium onion chopped

4-5 cloves crushed garlic

2 tbs tomato paste

¼ tsp red pepper flakes

4 c crushed tomatoes

⅓ c vodka | optional |

½ tsp dried oregano

¼ tsp ground fennel | optional |

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

¼ c grated parmesan

1 c heavy cream

¼ c chopped basil

1/4 c pasta water.

instructions

cook rigatoni according to package instructions. when cooked, drain and set aside pasta water.

add olive oil, diced onions and crushed garlic to a pot on medium heat and sauté until the onions are softened.

add tomato paste, red pepper flakes, fennel, oregano and sauté with the onions and garlic for a minute.

add crushed tomatoes, vodka, salt, black pepper and mix in.

bring to a boil, then reduce the heat uncovered for 10 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

add grated parmesan, heavy cream and fresh chopped basil and stir in.

add the cooked rigatoni pasta and fold into the sauce.

serve topped with fresh chopped basil and ground black pepper.