Shrimp pasta with vodka sauce is a delicious and indulgent dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound of pasta (linguine or fettuccine works well)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup vodka
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Vodka Sauce:
- In the same skillet, pour in the crushed tomatoes and vodka. Stir to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vodka sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Gently fold in the cooked shrimp.
- Serve:
- Once everything is heated through, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Serve the shrimp pasta with vodka sauce hot, garnished with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy your delicious homemade shrimp pasta with vodka sauce! It pairs perfectly with a glass of crisp white wine.