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Spicy Vodka Pasta with Burrata

Spicy Vodka Pasta with Burrata
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Spicy Vodka Pasta with Burrata is a creamy, bold, and satisfying dish featuring perfectly cooked penne pasta tossed in a luscious vodka-infused tomato cream sauce with a gentle spicy kick, topped with soft burrata cheese that melts delightfully into every bite. This easy-to-make recipe brings vibrant flavors and comforting textures ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • Penne pasta – 12 oz (about 340g)

Sauce

  • Olive oil – 2 tbsp
  • Garlic – 3 cloves, finely chopped
  • Onion – 1 small, finely chopped
  • Red pepper flakes – 1/2 to 1 tsp (adjust to taste)
  • Vodka – 1/4 cup (60 ml)
  • Crushed tomatoes – 1 can (28 oz / 800g)
  • Heavy cream – 3/4 cup (180 ml)
  • Salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – to taste

Topping & Garnish

  • Burrata cheese – 8 oz (225g)
  • Fresh basil leaves – a handful

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Spice: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and onion, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in red pepper flakes to infuse the oil with heat.
  3. Add Vodka and Tomatoes: Carefully pour in the vodka and let it simmer for a few minutes to cook off the alcohol and concentrate the flavor. Stir in crushed tomatoes, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook the sauce for 10-15 minutes to deepen flavors.
  4. Finish with Cream and Seasoning: Slowly stir in the heavy cream, blending evenly to create the signature rose-colored sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting heat by adding more red pepper flakes if desired.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat every piece with sauce. Use reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick to achieve the perfect consistency.
  6. Plate and Add Burrata: Serve the coated pasta onto plates or a serving dish. Tear burrata cheese over the top while the pasta is still warm, allowing its creamy interior to melt slowly into the sauce. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

  • Use good-quality vodka for deeper sauce flavor.
  • Do not overcook pasta; al dente texture is key.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
  • Fresh burrata provides unmatched creaminess compared to shredded cheeses.
  • Simmer sauce gently to develop rich, integrated flavors without burning.
  • Add burrata fresh when serving rather than reheating with pasta to preserve texture.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to customize the spice level.
  • Gluten-free pasta can be used to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy vodka pasta, burrata pasta, creamy vodka sauce, Italian pasta recipe, spicy pasta, easy dinner recipe, creamy tomato sauce, penne pasta, vodka sauce

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/spicy-vodka-pasta-with-burrata/