Ziti with Creamy Vodka Sauce
A classic pasta dish featuring ziti in a flavorful vodka-infused creamy sauce with hints of tomato and Parmesan, topped with fresh basil.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Full Ingredient List
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon milk or cream
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 3 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 8 ounces ziti pasta, cooked and drained
- 1 1/2 shots (about 4 1/2 tablespoons) vodka
- 1 dash white pepper
Vodka Sauce
Tools and Equipment
Ingredients
| Quantity | Name | Preparation Notes | Substitutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 tablespoons | salted butter | ||
| 2 medium | garlic cloves | minced | |
| 1/2 cup | sour cream | light sour cream | |
| 1 tablespoon | milk or cream | ||
| 1/2 cup plus additional for serving | shredded Parmesan cheese | ||
| 1 tablespoon plus more for garnish | chopped fresh basil | ||
| 3 tablespoons | tomato sauce | marinara sauce | |
| 1 1/2 shots (about 4 1/2 tablespoons) | vodka | white wine | |
| 1 dash | white pepper |
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium skillet, melt the butter and brown the minced garlic.
- Step 2: Stir in the sour cream, milk or cream, Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, tomato sauce, and white pepper until the mixture is bubbly and heated through.
- Step 3: Add the vodka to the sauce and mix well.
Pasta
Tools and Equipment
Ingredients
| Quantity | Name | Preparation Notes | Substitutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 ounces | ziti pasta | cooked and drained |
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions and drain.
Final Assembly
Ingredients
| Quantity | Name | Preparation Notes | Substitutions |
|---|
Instructions
- Step 1: Pour the vodka sauce over the cooked ziti pasta. Toss to combine evenly.
- Step 2: Serve in individual bowls and top with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Additional Information
Notes: Consider doubling the sauce if you prefer extra sauce with your pasta. You can substitute marinara sauce for tomato sauce if needed.