Spicy Pasta alla Vodka

 

 Tender pasta in a spicy tomato vodka sauce that's creamy, silky, and delightful.

 

 

Ingredients

10.5 oz pasta

2 tbsp olive oil

4 garlic cloves, grated

1 tsp each: salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme

4.5 oz double concentrated tomato paste

1/3 cup vodka

1 cup cream light or heavy

3.5 oz Italian sausage, less for a slightly spicy taste

1.5 oz grated Parmesan

 

Heat a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook till al dente. Drain the pasta and save 1/2 cup of the cooking water.

Compose the sauce while the pasta is cooking. To begin, grate the garlic.

In a large skillet, heat the oil over low heat. Sweat the garlic for 1 minute, or until aromatic. Stir in the spices, then add the tomato paste and turn up the heat to high. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Cook for 1 minute longer after adding the 'nduja sausage. Stir in the vodka and cook for 2 minutes on low heat. Bring to a boil with the cream. Stir in the Parmesan, then add the pasta and 14 cups of boiling water and mix to incorporate.

 

Toss until the sauce gradually thickens and the pasta is covered in a smooth saucy layer. If indeed the sauce becomes too thick, add a little of the leftover pasta water. Garnish with a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve