Vodka-Infused Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic
A smooth tomato sauce brightened by fresh basil and enriched with vodka, tossed with al dente spaghetti for a comforting Italian-inspired meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti pasta, extra virgin 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 pasta
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated, for serving Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti pasta and cook for 9 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Pour in 28 oz crushed tomatoes and 1/4 cup vodka. Simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and alcohol cooks off.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves. Add the drained pasta and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly and loosen sauce as needed.
- Step 5: Serve topped with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and extra fresh basil if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vodka-Infused Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic 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 Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic?
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 pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Vodka-Infused Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic?
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 Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic 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 Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic?
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.
