Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka Recipes

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain.
• While the pasta is cooking, combine 2 tablespoons of the oil, the garlic, shallots or onions and crushed red pepper in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until everything starts to sizzle and begins to soften, 1 to 2 minutes. Stirring constantly, carefully pour in the tomato sauce (it will sizzle) until well combined with the other ingredients. Remove from the heat and add the vodka, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Return to the heat and bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and reduced slightly, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cream and continue to cook for 1 minute.
• Add the pasta to the skillet and stir to coat well. Let the pasta cook briefly in the sauce until it thickens a little more and clings nicely to the pasta. Stir in the Parmesan, remaining 1 tablespoon oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Transfer the pasta to a serving dish and sprinkle with the parsley if using. Serve, passing more Parmesan at the table.

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (2 heaping tablespoons kosher salt to about 7 quarts water). Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
• Meanwhile, prepare the sauce: Heat the oil in a deep 12-inch skillet or pot over medium. Add the pancetta, if using, and fry until crispy, stirring occasionally, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the onion, garlic and red-pepper flakes and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent, about 3 minutes. Turn the heat to medium-low, add the vodka and cook until reduced by half, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Stir in the tomatoes and then fill the can halfway with water and swish it around to loosen up any leftover tomatoes; add a quarter to half of the water to the pan. Simmer until the sauce begins to thicken, about 10 minutes, and season with salt and pepper. If you prefer your sauce a little looser, go ahead and add the remaining water and simmer 2 to 3 minutes more. Reduce heat to low, add the cream and cook, stirring, until the sauce becomes an even pinkish-rust color, about 1 minute.
• Stir in the cooked pasta and 1/4 cup cheese; toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Divide among bowls, top with additional cheese, if desired, and sprinkle with the oregano and parsley.

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large frying pan or casserole dish. Add the shallot and a large pinch of salt and gently fry over a low heat for 10 mins or until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and chilli flakes and cook for 30 seconds. Stir through the tomato purée, cook for 2 mins, then stir through the vodka and cook for 3 mins. Quickly stir through the cream to combine, then remove from the heat.
• Cook the pasta in salted water following pack instructions. Drain and reserve 150ml cooking water. Add roughly 50ml of the water to the tomato sauce, then tip in the pasta and cheese, tossing everything together over a low heat until well coated and glossy (loosen with a splash more of the cooking water if it's a little dry). Season to taste, then serve with a sprinkling of the extra parmesan, a good grinding of black pepper and the basil leaves scattered over the top.