---
title: "Vodka Pasta"
slug: "fusilli-with-vodka-basil-parmesan"
date: "2026-02-10"
lastUpdated: "2026-02-10"
category: "italian"
tags: ["italian"]
cookTime: 0
prepTime: 0
servings: 4
author: "pws"
description: "A recipe similar to the vodka pasta at Fiorella Polk."
featured: false
display: true
displayPhoto: "./assets/vodka-pasta.png"
---

# Vodka Pasta

A recipe similar to the vodka pasta at Fiorella Polk.

## Photos

![A recipe similar to the vodka pasta at Fiorella Polk.](./assets/vodka-pasta.png)
*A recipe similar to the vodka pasta at Fiorella Polk.*

## Ingredients

- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ shallot, finely chopped
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
- ½ cup tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons vodka
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
- 1 pound fusilli
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ounce finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil"

## Instructions

1. Heat **oil** in a large skillet over medium.
2. Add **shallot** and **garlic** and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Begin cooking **pasta** in salted water until al dente. This can be done while working on the next few steps for the pasta in parallel.
4. Add **tomato paste** and cook, stirring occasionally, until paste is brick red and starts to caramelize, about 5 minutes.
5. Add **vodka** and cook, stirring constantly, until liquid is mostly evaporated, about 2 minutes.
6. Add **cream** and **red pepper flakes** and stir until well blended.
7. Season with **salt** and **pepper** & remove from heat.
8. The pasta should be finished at this point. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the **pasta water**.
9. Add pasta to skillet with sauce along with **butter** and ½ cup **pasta cooking liquid**.
10. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly and adding more pasta cooking liquid if needed, until butter has melted and a thick, glossy sauce has formed, about 2 minutes.
11. Season with salt and pepper and add 1 oz. **Parmesan**, tossing to coat. Divide pasta among bowls, then top with basil and more Parmesan.

## Notes

### Family Sized
- Recipe makes about a pound of pasta, in my experience that ends up being about 8 large servings.

### Eat it Quick!
- Lasts quite a while, but reheat quality is not super presentable because of the heavy cream.

## References

- https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/fusilli-alla-vodka-basil-parmesan
