The Ina Garten’s Vodka Sauce Recipe is creamy, rich and full of flavor. It is simple to make at home. This sauce combines tomato, cream and a splash of vodka for a smooth, balanced taste.
You can pour it over pasta, chicken or even vegetables. Many people love it because it tastes restaurant-quality but is easy to cook.
Today, I will show you how to make Ina Garten’s Vodka Sauce and share the exact ingredients for Ina Garten’s Vodka Sauce.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first made this sauce on a busy weeknight. I wanted something quick but flavorful. The aroma of garlic, tomato and vodka filled my kitchen.
The sauce turned out smooth and creamy. When I poured it over pasta, it looked restaurant-style. My family loved it.
The flavors were rich but not heavy. I now make this sauce often. It is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten’s Vodka Sauce
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Course: Sauce / Pasta
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Calories: 380 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cheese grater
- Blender (optional for smooth texture)
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten’s Vodka Sauce
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Garlic cloves, minced – 3
- Red pepper flakes – ¼ teaspoon (optional)
- Tomato paste – 2 tablespoons
- Crushed tomatoes – 1 can (28 ounces)
- Vodka – ¼ cup
- Heavy cream – ¾ cup
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Fresh basil, chopped – 2 tablespoons
- Parmesan cheese, grated – ½ cup
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Heat Olive Oil
Place a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add olive oil and minced garlic. Stir until fragrant, about one minute. Do not burn the garlic.
2. Add Red Pepper Flakes and Tomato Paste
Add red pepper flakes if desired. Stir in tomato paste. Cook for two minutes. This deepens the tomato flavor and creates richness.
3. Add Crushed Tomatoes
Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir well. Bring to a simmer for about ten minutes. Sauce will thicken slightly and become flavorful.
4. Add Vodka
Pour vodka into the sauce. Stir and let it cook for five minutes. Alcohol will cook off, leaving a subtle flavor.
5. Add Cream
Slowly add heavy cream while stirring. Reduce heat to low. Sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
6. Finish with Basil and Parmesan
Add chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese melts completely. The sauce should be silky and rich.
7. Serve
Pour over cooked pasta, grilled chicken or roasted vegetables. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Read More: Ina Garten Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten’s Vodka Sauce
- Use high-quality crushed tomatoes for best flavor.
- Add vodka slowly and cook well to remove alcohol.
- Stir often to prevent sticking.
- Use fresh basil at the end for bright flavor.
- Serve immediately for creamy texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cooking garlic too long, it becomes bitter.
- Adding cream too quickly can cause separation.
- Skipping simmer time makes sauce taste raw.
- Using canned tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes.
- Forgetting to season with salt and pepper.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this sauce over penne, fettuccine or spaghetti. Top with extra Parmesan and fresh basil. Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad. It is perfect for family dinners or date nights.
Variations You Can Try
- Add cooked shrimp for seafood pasta.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms for earthy flavor.
- Use half-and-half for lighter creaminess.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes for extra tang.
- Sprinkle chili flakes for heat.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in fridge up to three days.
- Reheat gently on low heat. Stir often to keep sauce smooth.
- Add a splash of cream if sauce thickens.
- Do not boil after adding cream.
- Can be frozen up to two months in freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
Health Benefits
This sauce provides healthy fats from olive oil and cream. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.
Basil adds vitamins and a fresh flavor. When served with whole grain pasta or vegetables, it becomes a balanced, satisfying meal.
Ina Garten’s Vodka Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Garlic cloves minced – 3
- Red pepper flakes – ¼ teaspoon optional
- Tomato paste – 2 tablespoons
- Crushed tomatoes – 1 can 28 ounces
- Vodka – ¼ cup
- Heavy cream – ¾ cup
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Fresh basil chopped – 2 tablespoons
- Parmesan cheese grated – ½ cup
Instructions
Heat Olive Oil
- Place a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add olive oil and minced garlic. Stir until fragrant, about one minute. Do not burn the garlic.
Add Red Pepper Flakes and Tomato Paste
- Add red pepper flakes if desired. Stir in tomato paste. Cook for two minutes. This deepens the tomato flavor and creates richness.
Add Crushed Tomatoes
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir well. Bring to a simmer for about ten minutes. Sauce will thicken slightly and become flavorful.
Add Vodka
- Pour vodka into the sauce. Stir and let it cook for five minutes. Alcohol will cook off, leaving a subtle flavor.
Add Cream
- Slowly add heavy cream while stirring. Reduce heat to low. Sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
Finish with Basil and Parmesan
- Add chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese melts completely. The sauce should be silky and rich.
Serve
- Pour over cooked pasta, grilled chicken or roasted vegetables. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use high-quality crushed tomatoes for best flavor.
- Add vodka slowly and cook well to remove alcohol.
- Stir often to prevent sticking.
- Use fresh basil at the end for bright flavor.
- Serve immediately for creamy texture.
FAQs about Ina Garten’s Vodka Sauce
1. Can I make Ina Garten’s Vodka Sauce Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce a day ahead. Store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on low heat before serving.
2. How do I make Ina Garten’s Vodka Sauce creamy?
Add heavy cream slowly while stirring. Simmer gently and avoid boiling to prevent separation.
3. Can I skip vodka in the recipe?
Yes, you can, but vodka gives a unique depth. Substitute with water or broth for a lighter taste.
4. What Ingredients for Ina Garten’s Vodka Sauce matter most?
Fresh garlic, high-quality crushed tomatoes and heavy cream are essential. These create the rich and creamy sauce.
5. Can I freeze this sauce?
Yes, freeze cooled sauce in airtight containers for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Final Thoughts
The Ina Garten’s Vodka Sauce Recipe is creamy, flavorful and easy to make. Now you know how to make Ina Garten’s Vodka Sauce at home.
The ingredients for Ina Garten’s Vodka Sauce are simple but create restaurant-quality flavor.
This sauce is perfect for pasta nights, family dinners or special occasions. Try it once, and it will become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!