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–+ servings
Vodka Sauce Pasta Bake

Indulgent Vodka Sauce Pasta Bake That's Simply Irresistible

This Vodka Sauce Pasta Bake is creamy, flavorful, and the perfect crowd-pleaser for any dinner. Easy to prepare and even better as leftovers.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Essential for sautéing.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Adds richness and flavor.
  • 1 medium Onion Diced.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1 cup Vodka Can be omitted for non-alcoholic version.
  • 1 can Diced Fire Roasted Tomatoes Adds smoky flavor.
  • 1 can Tomato Sauce Canned or homemade.
  • 1 cup Half and Half Substitute with heavy cream for richer texture.
  • 6 tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese Divide for cooking and garnishing.
  • 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Optional for heat.
  • to taste Salt For seasoning.
For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Rotini Pasta Can substitute ziti or penne.
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Low-moisture mozzarella is best.
  • to taste Fresh Parsley or Basil Optional garnish.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • baking dish
  • Blender

Method
 

Make the Vodka Sauce
  1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until foamy. Add 1 diced medium onion, sauté for 3-4 minutes, then stir in 4 minced garlic cloves.
  2. Carefully pour in 1 cup of vodka and reduce for 2-3 minutes. Mix in 1 can of diced fire-roasted tomatoes and 1 can of tomato sauce. Bring to boil and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
Prepare the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 12 ounces of rotini pasta according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Blend the Sauce
  1. Blend the vodka sauce until smooth, return to low heat, and stir in 1 cup of half and half and 6 tablespoons of grated Parmesan. Heat gently.
Assemble the Dish
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Combine cooked rotini with vodka sauce. Grease a baking dish, add half the mixture, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Layer remaining pasta and top with cheese.
Bake the Casserole
  1. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 5 minutes until cheese is golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy
  1. Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or basil, and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portionCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allow the baked pasta to rest to help flavors meld and make serving easier.

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