You Won’t Be Single for Long Vodka Cream Pasta

“Food is the ingredient that binds us together.” 

When I lived in Florida, my friend, Jennifer, introduced me to this fabulous dish by Rachael Ray. I have since made this tasty treat for several of my friends, and they have all loved it. My most recent dinner included spinach pie and garlic bread as sides.

Note: For the original recipe, click here. I made a few tweaks below. 

This recipe will make enough for four people. If you plan on serving half, freeze the sauce before adding basil, and cook 1/2-2/3 pounds of gluten-free penne pasta.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, once around the pan in a slow stream
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 shallots, minced
• 1 cup vodka, such as Tito’s Vodka, which is gluten-free
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (32 ounces)
• Coarse salt, such as Himalayan pink salt, and pepper
• 16 ounces pasta, such as gluten-free penne rigate
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 20 leaves fresh basil, shredded or torn
• 1 lb scallops
• 1/2 lb shrimp
• Crusty bread, for passing

Sauce Directions:

1. Heat a large skillet over moderate heat.
2. Add oil, butter, garlic, and shallots.
3. Gently saute the shallots for 3 to 5 minutes to develop their sweetness.
4. Add Tito’s Vodka to the pan; three turns around the pan in a steady stream will equal about one cup.
5. Reduce vodka by half. This will take 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Add chicken stock and tomatoes.
7. Bring the sauce to a bubble, and reduce the heat to a simmer.
8. Season with Himalayan salt and pepper.

Pasta, Seafood, and Next Steps:

• While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in salted boiling water until cooked to al dente. While the pasta cooks, prepare your salad or other side dishes.
• Saute the shrimp and scallops in olive oil and butter.
• Once your pasta and fish are cooked, stir the cream into the sauce.
• When the sauce returns to a bubble, remove it from the heat.
• Drain the pasta.
• Toss the hot pasta with the sauce and basil leaves.
• Add the shrimp and scallops to the sauce and pasta.
• Serve with crusty, garlic bread.

Garlic Bread Instructions:

• Cut French bread or other crusty bread of your choice.
• Spread butter on each piece of bread.
• Add garlic powder.
• Add grated, Parmesan cheese.
• Toast in the oven.

Tasty Delights…

• Looking for a great restaurant? Check out my recommendations.
• Read my restaurant blogs.
• Cook my favorite recipes.

Tags: food, foodies, garlic bread, pasta, Rachel Ray, Rachel Ray recipes, recipe, tasty delight, tasty treat, vodka cream pasta, You Won't Be Single for Long Vodka Cream Pasta