Vodka-Infused Tomato Basil Pasta with Parmesan Crisps

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Al dente spaghetti tossed in a smooth vodka tomato sauce with fresh basil, finished with crunchy homemade Parmesan crisps. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs spaghetti pasta, olive oil, yellow onion finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/3 cup vodka and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Step 6: Lower heat and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves. Cook for 2 minutes until sauce is creamy.
  7. Step 7: Toss cooked spaghetti into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water 2 tbsp at a time if needed to loosen.
  8. Step 8: For Parmesan crisps, preheat oven to 400°F. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, place 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese in small 2-inch circles spaced apart. Bake for 5-7 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool and serve atop pasta.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vodka-Infused Tomato Basil Pasta with Parmesan Crisps take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Parmesan Crisps?

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 Parmesan Crisps?

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 Parmesan Crisps 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 Parmesan Crisps?

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.

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