Ah, the last and final pasta of the creamy pasta series – Rigatoni with Vodka Sauce! The pasta shape, Rigatoni, holds a special place in our hearts. It has a wide, tubular, structure that holds creamy vodka sauce inside and, you know what they say, the more sauce in your mouth the better. Who are “they” you ask? Well don’t.
It is a rich, flavorful dish that’s simple to make. We’re all about quick and easy plant-based meals that taste like Chef Tony himself made them for you. This rigatoni with creamy vodka sauce has less than 10 ingredients!! Amazing – and there is no onion involved, so you won’t be crying tonight!! (or maybe you will be for other reasons!) Either way, after eating a rich and satisfying dinner, you’ll be sure to crack a smile or SALTS (smiled a little then stopped).
Rigatoni with Vodka Sauce Ingredients
- Rigatoni pasta: it’s clear that rigatoni is the best pasta shape but you could also use penne or ziti.
- Olive oil: the start of any good Italian meal.
- Garlic: the aromatics of the sauce.
- Cherry tomatoes: bursted cherry tomatoes thicken the sauce and give it a fresh tomato flavor.
- Tomato paste: adds acidity and depth.
- Savory cashew cream: the star of this series and something we always have on hand!
- Vodka: adds flavor and helps the sauce hold together but feel free to skip!
- Vegetable broth: thins out the sauce while adding extra flavor.
How to Make Creamy Vodka Sauce
The creamy vodka sauce is made with bursted cherry tomatoes. This automatically cracks the code of making an easy dinner sound fancy. “Yes, I bursted the cherry tomatoes myself, Carl.” Carl will most definitely be impressed, but who is Carl and why is he here?
The tomatoes and garlic are coated in shimmering olive oil and cooked down until the tomatoes burst and create a jammy texture. The tomato paste adds deep flavor to balance out the richness of the cashew cream. Vodka is added and simmered off, leaving you with a delicious aroma and bit of tang. It also helps to bind everything together, creating a smooth and luscious pink sauce.
Watch us make it in this video!
The Creamy Pasta Series
There are two other recipes in the series that all start with a batch of our Savory Cashew Cream Sauce! Take your pick of tangy vodka sauce, bright lemon, or creamy pesto. We’d love to hear your favorite!
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Creamy Rigatoni alla Vodka
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delicious, decadent, creamy pasta dish that will wow even your Italian nonna. It’s the perfect fresh pasta dinner that you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb rigatoni pasta
- 1 teaspoon olive oil*
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup Savory Cashew Cream
- 1/4 cup vodka**
- 3/4 cup vegetable broth
Toppings (optional)
- vegan parmesan
- red pepper flakes
- fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni according to the ‘al dente’ instructions on the package.
- While the pasta cooks, start making the sauce. In a pan on medium heat, add olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the tomatoes and garlic to the pan. Mix them around to coat then in oil.
- Reduce the heat to low and cook for 5 to 10 minutes. Start to gently burst the tomatoes using the back of a spoon or spatula.
- Once all the tomatoes are bursted, mix in the tomato paste and cook for 3 minutes. Next add in the cashew cream, vodka, and broth. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vodka is cooked off.
- Add the pasta to the sauce and mix! Serve warm and top with your favorites!
Notes
* can use water if you want to skip the oil
** can replace the vodka with vegetable broth!
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: vegan, cashew cream, cream sauce, rigatoni, pasta, vodka