Rigatoni alla Vodka
 
 
Rigatoni alla Vodka is a rich and satisfying pasta dish - it's pretty, too.
Author:
Recipe type: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
  • 1 pound of rigatoni pasta, or another pasta shape that is similar in size and shape, like penne
  • 1 quart homemade or your favorite jarred marinara
  • ¼ cup of vodka
  • ½ cup of heavy cream
  • 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter or extra virgin olive oil to finish the sauce (optional)
  • 3 Tablespoons fresh Italian or flat-leafed parsley, chopped
  • ¼ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, freshly grated (I used Pecorino Romano)
Instructions
  1. Bring 6 quarts of water to boil in a large pot. Add one Tablespoon salt. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
  2. In a warm skillet large enough to hold all the pasta and sauce, pour the marinara sauce into the skillet. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  3. Add the vodka, and stir until incorporated into the sauce.
  4. Add the heavy cream, and stir until incorporated into the sauce.
  5. If you are using butter or olive oil to finish the sauce, add it now. Swirl to distribute.
  6. Once the pasta is done, remove it from the pot using a handheld strainer or wire skimmer, and drop it directly into the sauce. If your pan is not large enough, drain the pasta in a colander, return it to your pot, and pour in the sauce.
  7. Over medium heat, cook the pasta and sauce for a minute or two to make sure all the pasta is coated. 1-2 minutes
  8. Check the seasoning. Add more salt, pepper or red pepper flakes to your taste.
  9. Sprinkle parsley, and stir until the dish is heated through.
  10. Serve in individual bowls or in one serving bowl. Be sure to sprinkle with grated cheese.
Notes
Serve with a green salad and/or garlic bread for a hearty meal. Place extra cheese at the table for anyone who wants more.

If you're looking for different pasta shapes, here's a handy guide: The Cook's Thesaurus Pasta Shapes

If you're looking for Lidia Bastianich's recipe: Penne alla Vodka
Recipe by At Mimi's Table at https://atmimistable.com/rigatoni-alla-vodka/