What does putting vodka in pasta do?

Adding vodka in a pasta sauce gives it the best texture. It helps the cream and tomatoes combine together. Because the sauce is cooked, almost all of the alcohol cooks off as well as the vodka flavor.

What taste does vodka add to pasta?

Vodka sauce doesn't taste like vodka! The main purpose is to improve the texture of the sauce - the only slight flavor it gives is a subtle bite that balances well with a creamy sauce.

What are Calabrian peppers and where can you buy them?

Calabrian chili peppers are an Italian Chile pepper grown in the Calabria region. They are a medium heat pepper, similar heat level to a Serrano pepper. You can buy them in a jar in most grocery stores - typically either in the condiment section near other jarred items (like olives) or hot sure, or in the international aisle.

Carbone Spicy Rigatoni (Copycat Recipe)

Name: Carbone Spicy Rigatoni (copycat recipe)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1lb rigatoni pasta; 1/2 cup olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced; 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1/4 cup finely chopped Calabrian chili peppers; 12 ounces tomato paste; 1 cup vodka; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 cup reserved pasta water; 1 tablespoon butter; 2-3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Carbone Spicy Rigatoni (copycat recipe)

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5 from 1 review

This copycat Carbone Spicy Rigatoni recipe is easy enough to make on a weeknight but indulgent enough to make for a date night! The vodka sauce is spicy, creamy, and super rich.

Author: Kathleen
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Pasta, Main
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

1lb rigatoni pasta
1/2 cup olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/4 cup finely chopped Calabrian chili peppers
12 ounces tomato paste
1 cup vodka
2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
1 tablespoon butter
2-3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Cook Pasta - Start by getting a big pot of salted water boiling and cooking the pasta to al dente. When finished cooking, make sure to reserve some of the pasta then drain the pasta (do not rinse) and set aside).
Cook Onions and Calabrian Peppers - While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onions, salt, and pepper and cook until the onions are translucent - 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and Calabrian chili peppers and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add Tomato Paste and Vodka - Add the tomato paste to the peppers and cook while stirring for a 2-3 minutes until dark red. Pour in the vodka and cook for another 2 minutes or so while stirring to combine.
Stir in Heavy Cream - Stir in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine.
Add Pasta - Add the al dente pasta to the sauce along with the pasta water and sugar, if using. Fold to coat the pasta and fold in the butter and parmesan cheese.
Taste and Serve - Taste the pasta and adjust the salt/pepper, if needed. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Vodka - Adding vodka to a pasta sauce helps with the texture and creates a smooth sauce. The vodka flavor and alcohol cooks off in the sauce. But, if you don't consume alcohol you can omit and add a little extra pasta water to achieve the desired smooth consistency.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Calories: 748
Sugar: 11.9 g
Sodium: 390.1 mg
Fat: 36.9 g
Carbohydrates: 71.9 g
Fiber: 5.2 g
Protein: 14.5 g
Cholesterol: 51.5 mg

Find it online: https://kathleenscravings.com/carbone-spicy-vodka-rigatoni-copycat/