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- 12 oz penne pasta - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving These main ingredients create a rich and creamy dish. The penne pasta holds onto the sauce well. Crushed tomatoes bring a bright flavor, and heavy cream adds smoothness. - Cooked chicken or shrimp - Spinach or kale - Sun-dried tomatoes - Mushrooms Adding these optional ingredients can enhance the dish. Chicken or shrimp adds protein. Spinach or kale gives freshness. Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet-tart taste. Mushrooms bring an earthy note. - Penne pasta can be swapped for fusilli or rigatoni. - Heavy cream can be replaced with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter sauce. - Vegetable broth can be replaced with chicken broth for extra depth. - Fresh basil can be substituted with parsley or arugula. These substitutions keep the dish tasty. They also allow you to adapt based on what you have at home. Don't hesitate to play around with flavors! First, grab a large pot and heat the olive oil over medium heat. This step is key for flavor. Add the finely chopped onion. Sauté it for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want it to turn translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook this mix for one more minute. The garlic should smell great by now. Now, it’s time to create a rich sauce. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and sprinkle the Italian seasoning. Stir everything well to mix it up. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together beautifully. Next, pour in the vegetable broth and bring the pot to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir it occasionally to avoid sticking. When the pasta is al dente, reduce the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and let it warm for 2 to 3 minutes. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Now, your creamy tomato vodka pasta is ready to be served! Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese for a lovely finish. To make the sauce rich and creamy, start with heavy cream. It gives the sauce a smooth texture. You can also add a splash of vodka for extra depth. Cook the sauce slowly. This allows the flavors to blend well. Adjust seasoning as needed. Taste the sauce often to get it just right. Fresh herbs like basil add bright notes. Use them at the end for the best flavor. For perfect pasta, use a large pot with plenty of water. This helps the pasta cook evenly. Add salt to the water before boiling. It enhances the pasta's taste. Stir the pasta often while cooking. This prevents it from sticking together. Check the pasta a minute or two before the time is up. It should be firm but not hard. This is the secret to al dente pasta. Serving is just as important as cooking. Use big bowls for a nice look. After plating, add fresh basil leaves on top. They add color and flavor. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese generously. This makes the dish feel gourmet. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil for shine. A slice of crusty bread on the side completes the meal. Enjoy your beautiful dish! {{image_2}} You can boost the protein in your creamy tomato vodka pasta easily. Chicken is a great choice. Dice it and cook it in the pot before adding the onion. Shrimp also works well. Just add it in during the last few minutes of cooking. If you prefer a plant-based option, tofu is perfect. Use firm tofu, cube it, and sauté it with the onion for a tasty twist. To make this dish vegan, you can swap the heavy cream. Use coconut cream or a nut-based cream. They give a nice creaminess without dairy. You can also skip the cheese on top or use a vegan cheese. This keeps the dish rich and fulfilling while being kind to your diet. Adding vegetables makes this dish even better. In spring, try peas or asparagus for a fresh bite. In summer, zucchini or bell peppers add color and flavor. In fall, add spinach or kale for some greens. Winter calls for hearty veggies like butternut squash or broccoli. Just chop them, add them in with the sauce, and let them cook until tender. Each season brings new flavors to your creamy pasta dish! Store your creamy tomato vodka pasta in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. To reheat your pasta, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir gently until it’s heated through. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. Heat in short bursts and stir in between. Freezing creamy tomato vodka pasta is easy. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Bowtie, fusilli, or spaghetti work well. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. Each type brings its own fun texture and taste to the dish. So, feel free to experiment! Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste good. Just check the cooking time because gluten-free pasta might cook faster or slower than regular pasta. Always read the package instructions for the best results. Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, gently heat it and cook the pasta. This way, you save time on busy days and still enjoy this creamy delight! This blog post covered the basics of creamy tomato vodka pasta. We explored key ingredients and variations to suit taste and dietary needs. You learned how to prepare the dish step-by-step, and picked up tips for perfect results. In my view, this recipe is fun and easy for anyone. You can impress friends or enjoy a cozy meal alone. Whether you add protein or keep it vegan, it’s versatile. Enjoy making this dish, and let your cooking shine!

Creamy Tomato Vodka Pasta One Pot

Indulge in this Creamy Tomato Bliss Pasta that's perfect for any weeknight dinner! With just a few simple ingredients like penne pasta, crushed tomatoes, and heavy cream, you can whip up a deliciously rich and comforting meal in just 30 minutes. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy recipe! Click through to explore the full cooking instructions and elevate your pasta game!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 cup heavy cream

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

2 cups vegetable broth

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.

    Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

      Add the crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning, stirring to combine. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

        Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add the penne pasta to the pot, ensuring it's submerged in the liquid.

          Reduce the heat and cover the pot, cooking the pasta for about 10-12 minutes, or until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

            Once the pasta is cooked, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce is warmed through and creamy.

              Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary.

                Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.

                  - Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4