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Spicy Vodka Pasta Bake

Spicy Vodka Pasta Bake
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Ingredients

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  • 1 lb (450g) Rigatoni or Penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 2 medium Shallots, finely minced
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 6 oz Tomato paste
  • 1–2 teaspoons Red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1/2 cup Vodka
  • 1 cup Heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup Reserved pasta water
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Boil the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than the package instructions for “al dente.” The pasta will finish cooking in the oven, so you want it to have a firm bite. Drain the pasta, but make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water for the sauce.
  2. Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced shallots and cook until translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
  3. Step 3: Build the Sauce Base. Add the tomato paste and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break up the paste and cook it for about 5 minutes. You want the paste to turn a deep brick-red color; this caramelization adds incredible depth to the final sauce.
  4. Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer. Pour in the vodka to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the vodka simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the liquid has reduced by half. Turn the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream and half of the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and orange.
  5. Step 5: Combine and Assemble. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Top the entire mixture with the shredded mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
  6. Step 6: Bake and Garnish. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. For a golden crust, you can broil it for the last 2 minutes. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil, and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Find it online: https://www.pleasecook.com/dinner/spicy-vodka-pasta-bake/