Pasta Alla Vodka Recipe For One

Start making your Pasta Alla Vodka by cooking your pasta of choice as per the package instructions. Always remember to:
a) cook your pasta in plenty of salted water
b) stop the cooking a minute earlier than the recommended time so that you can finish cooking the pasta in the pasta sauce
c) reserve the pasta water - at least 1 cup - if you choose to drain it off

While the pasta is boiling, you can get started with the sauce. Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. You can also add some butter here if you like. Once the oil is hot, add the 3-4 cloves minced garlic and let it sizzle for a few seconds. Next, add the finely chopped onion and let it cook for a minute or so until transparent and soft.

Once the onions have cooked a bit, add 2-3 tbsp of tomato paste. Tomato paste helps give you a very concentrated flavour and if you have it in your pantry, it will make it very easy to cook this pasta sauce. Cook out the tomato paste for a minute and make sure it has coated the onion well.

Now add a splash of vodka, mix everything well and let the vodka cook out - about a minute or so. Follow with 2-3 tbsp of fresh cream and 3/4 cup of pasta water. Stir everything well until combined. Once this sauce comes to a simmer, add the grated Parmesan cheese and let the sauce thicken a bit. Season the sauce with a little salt and chilli flakes.

Once the vodka sauce has reached the consistency you like, add the almost-cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well until the pasta is coated with the sauce. Now, turn the heat down and let the pasta finish cooking in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick for your liking, thin it out by adding the reserved pasta water - a tbsp at a time until you’re happy.

Once the pasta is cooked, spoon it into your favourite pasta bowl and finish off with some more Parmesan cheese and chilli flakes. Sit back and enjoy pasta alla vodka with a glass of wine.