I have been thinking about this recipe for a while because cashews are the typical dairy replacement. And as much as I like cashews, I don’t want them all the time. So I had to make a nut-free version! I use white beans, which add creaminess to the sauce. The vodka adds depth of flavor, and how I add the vodka might be a bit unorthodox. I add one portion upfront and a second portion after the sauce has cooked. Trust me on this method: it’s awesome.
I know penne is the typical pasta pairing with vodka sauce, but the rigatoni in my pantry just looked too beautiful not to use. Plus it’s photogenic, don’t you think? But honestly, any pasta will do. And I can admit to using some leftover sauce as a dip for crudités.
The essential tools for this recipe are pots for cooking both the sauce and the pasta and a blender for finishing the sauce. The sauce comes together quickly, so if you wish to enjoy it immediately, make your pasta while you prepare the sauce; otherwise, the sauce will keep for 5 days in an airtight container. Enjoy, and leave a comment below if you try it!
Dairy- and nut-free vodka sauce: because no one should be without delicious pasta alla vodka! I use white beans, which add creaminess to the sauce, and vodka adds depth of flavor.
15 Minutes
25 Minutes
40 Minutes
Step 1
Prepare your pasta according to package instructions, if eating now. Add oil to a dutch oven or pot at medium heat. Let shimmer and then add onion and salt. Stir to prevent sticking. Once translucent and fragrant, add garlic and stir for 1 minute. Add full tomato jar, tomato paste and stir to mix. Then add 1/3 cup of vodka, and raise the heat. Let that boil off for 1 minute, and then reduce heat to a simmer.
Step 2
Add water, white beans and vinegar, and stir to mix. Cover the pot, and simmer for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat, add basil and oregano, and stir to mix. Turn heat up again to medium/high and add the final 1/3 cup of vodka. Bring it to boil for 1 minute, and then turn off heat. Carefully add to a heatproof blender and blend to desired consistency. I blend very briefly, as I like it chunky! Taste for salt + pepper to your liking. Add to fave pasta, and enjoy!
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