Tortellini and Vodka Sauce

Whenever we need comfort food with a gourmet touch, creamy pasta always comes to mind. And one of its standout companions is tortellini and vodka sauce. It’s very creamy, flavorful, and unique because of the splash of vodka. 

This vodka sauce-coated pasta will give you the vibe of having an Italian dinner at a fancy restaurant. But of course, with some personal tuning in taste!

So, let’s have a look at its recipe.

What Is Tortellini and Vodka Sauce?

Tortellini and vodka sauce is also known as creamy vodka sauce for tortellini. It’s basically stuffed pasta with vodka sauce that is simmered in tomato and has a creamy base. And of course, it has a splash of vodka, which releases the flavors from the tomato. 

Apart from being a luxurious Italian-American dish, this creamy vodka pasta sauce is very comforting. You can add it to your house parties, serve it to your guests, or just enjoy it at home during weekends. 

Ingredients You Need

Cheese Tortellini (12 oz)

Cheese tortellini is going to be the star ingredient of this dish. Or if you are using the refrigerated version, make sure it is stuffed with cheese.

Olive Oil (2 tbsp)

Use 2 tablespoons of olive oil to sauté the aromatics and give a base flavor to the sauce.

Garlic (3 cloves, minced)

Minced garlic is going to give a sharp, savory base to the sauce.

Shallots or Onion (½ cup, finely chopped)

Both shallots and onions will bring sweetness and complexity to your vodka sauce. 

Tomato Paste (2 tbsp)

Tomato paste is going to add a beautiful color and a concentrated tomato flavor to your vodka sauce.

Vodka (¼ cup)

To make the sauce richer, use vodka. It even helps in bringing out the tomato flavor. 

Heavy Cream (½ cup)

With heavy cream, you can give your sauce a creamy texture and a mild sweetness. 

Crushed Tomatoes (1 cup)

For some more texture, use 1 cup of crushed tomatoes. It will also make this Italian pasta sauce brighter and balance the creaminess. 

Red Pepper Flakes (½ tsp)

Red pepper is going to add a little heat. 

Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)

Use salt and black pepper for seasoning. Its amount is also going to be as per your taste buds.

Grated Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup)

If you want a savory finish and some extra richness, use Parmesan cheese. And make sure it’s grated. 

Fresh Basil or Parsley (for garnish)

Finally, for garnishing, use some fresh basil or parsley. 

How To Make Tortellini and Vodka Sauce With 9 Simple Steps

Now we are all set to make Vodka sauce tortellini. Let’s start.

Step 1: Boil the Tortellini

First, take a large pot. Pour salted water into it. Let it boil and cook the tortellini there as per the package instructions. Then drain the water and set the pan aside. 

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Now, take another large pan. Heat the olive oil there over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots or onions into the pan. Sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes or until they become soft. Then add garlic into the pan and cook for another minute. 

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste

Next, add tomato paste into the pan. Stir everything properly and let it cook for 2 minutes. You will see the color is deepening, and flavors are melding. 

Step 4: Deglaze with Vodka

Now, carefully add vodka into the mixture and stir again. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so that the alcohol evaporates.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Cream

It’s time to add crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and red pepper flakes. Stir all of them to make the sauce smooth.

Step 6: Simmer Until Thick

For the last time, simmer the sauce for 10 minutes or until it turns thick. Make sure it’s on a low-medium heat. 

Step 7: Toss Tortellini In Sauce

Now add the cooked tortellini to the sauce. Stir them gently so that the pasta becomes properly coated.

Step 8: Taste For Adjustment

At last, add seasoning with salt and black pepper to the amount you need. You can also add some more cream if you want it to be thicker. Or some more cheese to make it richer. 

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

For an added touch, garnish the sauce with some fresh basil or parsley, or Parmesan cheese. 

Best Pairings For Tortellini and Vodka Sauce

Your cheese tortellini vodka sauce will definitely complement these dishes.

• Garlic bread
• Caprese salad
• Roasted broccoli 
• Grilled asparagus
• Arugula salad
• Toasted baguette slices
• Panna cotta
• Tiramisu

Conclusion 

Since you are making it at home, you have a plus point. That is, you are skipping any sort of additives and preservatives. Also, you can store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. And whenever you use the sauce taken from the freezer, reheat it gently so that the flavors blend again.

Lastly, don’t forget to add this dish to your house parties and see how everyone becomes your fan!

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the Best Tortellini for Vodka Sauce?

Cheese tortellini is the best and the most balanced choice for vodka sauce. It complements the creamy and tangy flavors of the sauce. But if you want an added depth, you can try ricotta- or mushroom-stuffed tortellini with this tortellini pink sauce.

Can You Freeze Vodka Sauce Pasta?

Yes, you can freeze the vodka sauce pasta. But before that, you must let it cool completely. Then transfer it to an airtight container, and you can freeze it for up to 2 months. 

What to Serve With Tortellini and Vodka Sauce?

With tortellini and vodka sauce, you can serve garlic bread, roasted vegetables, arugula salad, and many other dishes.