Vodka-Infused Lemon Garlic Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Al dente spaghetti tossed in a bright lemon-garlic sauce with a splash of vodka and burst cherry tomatoes for a vibrant, flavorful pasta dish. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup dry vodka
- 1 pint (about 2 cups), halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup, freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste kosher salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden around edges.
- Step 3: Carefully add 1/4 cup dry vodka to the skillet. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until alcohol aroma reduces but liquid remains.
- Step 4: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Cook for 4 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
- Step 5: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss to combine and coat pasta with sauce.
- Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Toss again until cheese melts and sauce clings to noodles.
- Step 7: Serve immediately garnished with extra basil leaves and Parmesan if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vodka-Infused Lemon Garlic Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Vodka-Infused Lemon Garlic Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Vodka-Infused Lemon Garlic Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Vodka-Infused Lemon Garlic Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Vodka-Infused Lemon Garlic Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
