The Secret To Making The Yummiest Vodka Pasta

Written by Destiny Vickerie

The first time I tried vodka pasta, I nearly ascended—yes, it was just that delicious. I couldn’t even comprehend how something so warm and magical could exist on this earthly plane. I’m still not entirely sure it does exist; I could still be dreaming. 

On my college campus, there’s a popular Italian restaurant spot that I really like to go to. So far, I have only had Grandma’s Pie (it’s basically a reverse pizza: tomato sauce on cheese) and vodka pasta. Once I discovered that yummy, cheesy goodness, I had to try making it myself. However, with my own twist, of course! 

I would also like to mention that as a “non-chef” I do not cook with exact measurements and just usually eyeball seasonings and, in this case, cheese. Not to worry! For this recipe, I have compiled a list of ingredients, approximations, and instructions so that you can try it on your own. Vodka pasta is incredibly easy and quick to make, so if you’re feeling hungry and don’t know what to cook, you’ve come to the right place!

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Full Recipe:

Prep Time: 10-17 minutes

Cooking Time: Up to 50 minutes or less 

Serving Size: 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 Box of Penne Pasta

• Bertolli Creamy Vodka Pasta Sauce 

• 1 Bowl & Basket Sharp Shredded Cheddar Cheese (feel free to use your own desired amount of cheese)

• 1-2 red onion

• 2 tomatoes (optional)

• 2 green scallions (optional)

• ½ of cilantro bunch

• 2-3 tablespoons of salt

• Food seasoning (I use Goya salad & vegetable seasoning)

• Cooking oil

Instructions:

Prep

1. Chop your vegetables into desired pieces (red onions, tomatoes, green scallions, and cilantro).

2. Place freshly cut vegetables into a medium-sized bowl. Set-aside.

Making the Pasta

3. Add the entire box of Penne into salted water. Let boil for about 10 to 13 minutes until pasta becomes al dente (slightly undercooked and firm).

4. Set aside ½ pasta sauce before draining.

Making the Sauce

4. Add chopped vegetables to the oiled pan, and let cook for about 15 minutes. Mix occasionally and sprinkle seasoning throughout to marinate. 

5. Add vodka sauce into seasoned vegetables, and soak. Mix once you start to see the sauce bubble. 

Combination Time

6. Once your al dente pasta is drained, transfer it into the pasta sauce. Don’t forget to add your pasta water too! It will start to smell lovely at this stage as well! 

7. Sprinkle in your shredded cheese, and mix into sauce and pasta. Cook for about 5-7 more minutes. 

Dinner is Served

8. Once your cheesy goodness is fully cooked, grab a bowl or plate and enjoy! I personally love to eat my pasta while watching a good show or movie. 

I have always loved pasta and mac and cheese growing up. These two decadent meals have become my comfort food, and I can never give them up. If someone paid me a million dollars to eat only pasta or mac and cheese for a year, I’d leap for joy. Will it be a smart choice, health-wise? Not exactly. But when your taste buds are involved, who can really stop you? Enjoy!

Thumbnail Credit:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-plate-of-pasta-with-sauce-and-spaghetti-14930761/