Gnocchi Alla Vodka
Enjoy a comforting dish with this Gnocchi Alla Vodka recipe, featuring a creamy tomato sauce enhanced by vodka and aromatic herbs. Perfect for any gathering.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Cooking pot for boiling
- Slotted spoon
- Stirring spoon
- Serving dish
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can (14 oz or 400g) crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup (120 ml) vodka
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
For the Gnocchi
- 1 pound (450g) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Sauté Garlic
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the fragrant aroma to fill your kitchen.
Add Tomatoes and Vodka
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vodka, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
- Tip: Taking time to simmer improves the sauce’s depth; patience is rewarded here.
Stir in the Cream
- Lower the heat, then stir in the heavy cream. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the sauce is creamy and thickened.
Cook the Gnocchi
- Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes or until they float.
Combine Gnocchi and Sauce
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked gnocchi directly into the skillet with the vodka sauce. Gently toss to coat the gnocchi in the luscious sauce.
Serve and Garnish
- Plate the gnocchi, generously topping each serving with grated Parmesan and fresh basil for a burst of flavor and color.
Notes
Pro tips
- Use high-quality tomatoes for a more robust flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the level of spice by adding red pepper flakes.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like oregano for an extra layer of flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- For a vegetarian option, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.