Creamy Dreamy Vegan Vodka Pasta: A 5-Ingredient Wonder
Are you ready for a pasta dish that's creamy, dreamy, and completely vegan? This recipe is so simple, it's almost unbelievable. Forget complicated cooking; we're talking about a luscious, tangy vodka pasta that comes together in just 15 minutes with only five key ingredients. Yes, you read that right – five!
The Magic of Coconut Milk
Traditional vodka pasta relies on heavy cream for its richness. But what if I told you that you could achieve the same velvety texture without any dairy? Enter: coconut milk. I know what you might be thinking – coconut milk in pasta? Trust me on this one! The slight sweetness of the coconut milk is balanced perfectly with the other ingredients creating a unique and satisfying flavor profile.
What You'll Need:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1 14-ounce can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 pound rotini (or any pasta you like)
- Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, to taste
- Reserved pasta water
Let's Get Cooking
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a pan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
- Build the Base: Stir in the tomato paste and cook until it turns a deep red color. This step is essential for developing rich flavor.
- Add the Vodka and Coconut Milk: Pour in the vodka and let it sizzle for a moment. Then, add the coconut milk and salt. Allow the mixture to simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook your pasta according to the package directions. Be sure to save a bit of the pasta water before draining it.
- Combine and Enjoy: Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, adding a little reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
Tips for Success
- Garlic: Keep the heat low and stir constantly when sautéing the garlic. Burnt garlic will make the dish bitter.
- Coconut Milk: Be sure to use full-fat coconut milk from a can, not the refrigerated kind as it will not provide the same creamy texture.
- Seasoning: Don't be shy with the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. These will help elevate the flavors.
- Pasta: Rotini is a great choice, but any pasta shape will work well in this recipe.
Variations
- Add Veggies: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like peas, spinach, or mushrooms.
- Spice it Up: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Nutritional Yeast: For those who enjoy it, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can add a cheesy note.
This vegan vodka pasta is a hug in a bowl. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal, or for a more special occasion, this dish is sure to please! The best part is you get all of the flavor and comfort without all the fuss! So, grab your ingredients and let's get cooking!