Cherry Tomato & Garlic Vodka Rigatoni

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 shallot (large, minced)
• 8 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved vertically)
• 1 tsp salt (for the tomatoes)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste (optional but recommended)
• 0.5 cup vodka (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream (room temperature; can substitute coconut milk or low fat)
• 0.67 cup grated parmesan (plus more for serving)
• 8 oz pasta (rigatoni or choice of pasta)
• 1 tsp salt (for seasoning mix)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• fresh basil (for topping, optional but recommended)

Steps

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente.

2. 2

   Before draining the pasta, save 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.

3. 3

   In a large pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter and olive oil together.

4. 4

   Once hot, toss in the minced shallots and sauté for 3 minutes until soft and fragrant.

5. 5

   Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.

6. 6

   Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, oregano, and chili flakes; let the spices toast for 1 minute.

7. 7

   Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sprinkle in the extra teaspoon of salt.

8. 8

   Cook the tomatoes for 8–10 minutes, smashing them gently with a spoon or spatula as they soften until they burst and become jammy.

9. 9

   Optional: Remove from heat and blend about half the tomato mixture until smooth using a blender or handheld immersion blender. Add 2 tbsp of tomato paste and stir everything together.

10. 10

    Add the vodka if using and cook it down over medium-low heat for 2–3 minutes until mostly evaporated.

11. 11

    Drop the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream; simmer gently for a few minutes.

12. 12

    Stir in the grated parmesan, fresh basil, and cooked pasta, tossing it all together.

13. 13

    If the sauce looks dry, splash in some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

14. 14

    Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot topped with fresh basil and additional parmesan.

Notes

Tip: Best served with chicken, sausage, or salmon. For the cream, you can substitute coconut milk or low-fat cream if preferred.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• pasta
• vegetarian
• dinner
• vodka sauce
• rigatoni
• easy