This gourmet-style Vodka Rigatoni recipe tosses rigatoni pasta in a quick and simple homemade vodka sauce. Luxuriously creamy with irresistible Italian flavors and a subtle heat, it’s the best 30-minute meatless meal!
Add oil and garlic to a dutch oven or large pot and sauté for 2 minutes or until garlic is fragrant.
Then, strain the liquid from the cans of tomatoes and add just the tomatoes, cream (or half and half), milk, and vodka to the pot and stir to combine; last, stir in the parsley, salt and red pepper flakes, place a lid on top and simmer sauce for 15 minutes.
While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta in a separate saucepan.
Once the sauce is done, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until smooth. Alternatively, you can pour the sauce into a blender and blend it up that way. Last, stir in the cheese until melted. Garnish with additional cheese and fresh basil. Enjoy!
Pour sauce back into the dutch oven, then add the cooked pasta and stir to combine. Add extra parmesan cheese and/or red pepper flakes to taste.