Pasta Shells in Creamy Vodka Sauce
Store-bought marinara, vodka, and cream – that’s all you need to create a creamy, silky, vibrant sauce for your favorite pasta shape. Add sharp and melty cheeses (parmesan and mozzarella) and this quick-and-easy meal is ready in about 20 minutes.
This recipe is insanely easy; it’s barely even a recipe! But it IS a recipe because the ingredients and measurements are spot on. There’s just enough vodka to enhance the sauce, and there’s just enough cream to add buttery richness, not fat.
The vodka is added for a reason, so try to leave it in! If you’re dodging booze in your sauces, note that we’re only using 1/4 cup here, and most of the alcohol cooks off. Plus, vodka enhances the flavor of tomatoes by pulling out and concentrating their inherent sweetness.
The cream is added for a reason too. Adding cream to the tangy sauce cuts the acidity of tomatoes while encouraging flavors to linger on the palate.
You can add vegetables to this sauce if desired. I debated added frozen peas, green beans, broccoli, and/or zucchini to the sauce just before adding the pasta. Then I decided to serve steamed broccoli on the side. But if you add vegetables to the sauce with the pasta, you have a complete and balanced meal in one pan!
You can also add fresh herbs just before serving. To add flavor and color to the dish, add fresh basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary, or any combination of those herbs.
Feel free to switch up the pasta shape. I chose shells so the sauce would have a place to puddle. You can use any shape you desire!
For a cheesier sauce, add parmesan cheese! If you want a sauce that’s reminiscent of Alfredo and marinara mixed, add about 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese to the sauce when you fold in the pasta.
Pasta Shells in Creamy Vodka Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta shells, or pasta of choice
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1/4 heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Shredded parmesan cheese for serving
- Crushed red pepper flakes for serving, optional
Equipment
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Meanwhile, in a large saucepan or skillet, combine the marinara sauce and vodka. Set the pan over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in the cream. Fold in the pasta.
- Top with the mozzarella cheese, cover with foil or a lid and remove the pan from the heat. Let stand for 1 minute to melt the cheese.
- Serve with parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using).