Cheese And Vodka Sauce: What's The Perfect Match?

Vodka sauce is a creamy, tomato-based pasta sauce with a unique zing from the vodka it contains. The alcohol cooks off during the simmering process, so you can't get drunk off of it, but it adds a subtle, peppery heat and an almost herbaceous brightness to the sauce. The most common types of cheese used in vodka sauce are parmesan and pecorino romano.

What type of cheese is used in vodka sauce?

Vodka sauce is a creamy, tomato-based pasta sauce with a hint of vodka. It is a popular dish in Italian cuisine, with a rich history and flavour. While the sauce contains a small amount of alcohol, it is considered safe for children as the alcohol cooks out during the simmering process.

The cheese used in vodka sauce is typically Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano, which adds a salty, tangy flavour to the sauce. The cheese is grated and stirred through the sauce at the end of cooking, along with heavy cream, to create a smooth and creamy texture.

Some recipes suggest adding Pecorino Romano cheese instead of Parmesan, for a slightly different flavour profile. This cheese is also grated and stirred through the sauce to create a smooth, creamy texture.

Other ingredients commonly found in vodka sauce include olive oil, garlic, onion, tomato paste, butter, fresh herbs, and spices such as red pepper flakes. The sauce is often served with pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, and can be paired with various proteins, including chicken, shrimp, and Italian sausage.

Overall, the addition of cheese to vodka sauce creates a rich and indulgent dish, perfect for a comforting and decadent meal.

How do you make vodka sauce?

How to Make Vodka Sauce

Vodka sauce is a creamy, slightly peppery, Italian-American pasta sauce. It is vibrantly coloured and full of herbaceous flavour. The vodka enhances the other ingredients, adding a touch of heat to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes and cream.

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Aromatics: onion, garlic, and/or shallots
• Herbs and spices: red pepper flakes, salt, fresh basil, and black pepper
• Tomatoes: whole peeled tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Vodka
• Balsamic vinegar (optional)
• Single or double cream, or half-and-half
• Parmesan cheese
• Pasta of your choice

Method:

• Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the aromatics and cook until soft. Then, add the red pepper flakes and cook for another minute.
• Stir in the tomatoes and vodka, and continue cooking until the mixture reduces slightly.
• Stir in the tomato paste, balsamic vinegar (if using), salt, and black pepper. Then, reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce is reduced by half, stirring occasionally.
• While the sauce simmers, cook your chosen pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain the water and set the pasta aside.
• Transfer the tomato mixture to a food processor or blender. Add the basil and purée until smooth. Return the sauce to the pan and stir in the cream, adding more as needed. Continue to cook until warmed through.
• Stir in the parmesan cheese and cooked pasta, tossing to combine and coat.
• Serve immediately with extra parmesan and basil, if desired.

Tips:

• Vodka sauce is considered safe for kids as the alcohol cooks out during the simmering process.
• You can add extra ingredients to the sauce, such as spinach, kale, broccoli, asparagus, chicken, beans, or herbs like basil or chives.
• To make a vodka-free version, replace the vodka with water and a squeeze of lemon juice.

What is the purpose of adding vodka to the sauce?

Adding vodka to pasta sauce creates a unique flavour that is distinct from other tomato-based sauces.

Firstly, it is important to note that the alcohol in the vodka cooks off during the simmering process, so you can't get drunk off this sauce! However, the alcohol leaves behind a subtle zing or tang that enhances the flavour of the sauce.

The science behind this is that the alcohol molecule is similar to a sugar molecule and has a slightly sweet taste. At high concentrations, alcohol is irritating and pungent, but at very low concentrations, it enhances the release of fruity esters and other aroma molecules. This means that the vodka unlocks flavours already hidden in the tomato, intensifying the aroma and creating a peppery, herbal taste.

In addition to enhancing the flavour, vodka also helps to maintain a cohesive texture in the sauce, allowing the creaminess to meld with the tomato base.

What is the best pasta to pair with vodka sauce?

Vodka sauce is a creamy, flavourful, and versatile Italian sauce. It is a combination of creamy and tomato-based sauces, with common ingredients including tomatoes, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and a splash of vodka. The vodka in the sauce cooks out, balancing the dish.

When it comes to choosing the best pasta to pair with vodka sauce, there are a few options that stand out:

• Penne: This is by far the most popular noodle to pair with vodka sauce. The shape of the penne pasta allows the sauce to cling to it, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavour.
• Rigatoni: Similar to penne, rigatoni is a hollow tubular pasta that is also a very popular choice for vodka sauce. The shape allows each noodle to gather the delicious sauce.
• Farfalle: Also known as bowtie pasta, farfalle is perfect when paired with a thick and creamy vodka sauce. The ridges on the noodle catch and hold the sauce, giving you a perfect sauce-to-pasta ratio with every bite.
• Orecchiette: If you want to venture beyond tubular pasta shapes, orecchiette (or "little ear" pasta) is a great choice. Its shape acts as little boats for the sauce, allowing it to pool and gather delicious flavour.

While these pasta shapes are commonly recommended for vodka sauce, it is worth noting that vodka sauce is very versatile and can be paired with any pasta of your choosing. So feel free to experiment and find the combination that suits your taste!

What are some variations of vodka sauce?

Vodka sauce is a creamy, tomato-based pasta sauce with a hint of vodka. While the alcohol evaporates during the cooking process, it helps to bring out the flavours of the other ingredients and adds a subtle, peppery heat.

Variations of Vodka Sauce

Vegetables

You can add vegetables to your vodka sauce, such as spinach, kale, broccoli, and asparagus.

Meat

Vodka sauce goes well with proteins such as precooked shredded or chopped chicken, meatballs, sliced Italian sausage, or shrimp.

Vegetarian-Friendly Proteins

For a vegetarian option, you can add garbanzo or white beans for protein.

Herbs

You can add herbs like torn basil or thinly sliced chives to change things up.

Spicy

Vodka sauce can be made spicy by adding crushed red pepper flakes, spicy Calabrian chilli peppers, or ground chilli pepper.

Dairy-Free

For a dairy-free option, you can experiment with nut milk or try a vegan vodka sauce recipe.

Alcohol-Free

If you want to make a vodka-free version, you can replace the vodka with a mix of water and lemon juice to bring out the acidity of the tomatoes.

Cheese

While Parmesan is the most common cheese used in vodka sauce, you can also add a scoop of burrata in the middle when serving.

Frequently asked questions