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Alla Vodka Pasta

Recipe by Tyler Butt on InstagramAdded 1 August 2026.

10 minutes to prep, 20 to cook. A creamy, indulgent pasta that marries the subtle sweetness of sautéed onions with the bold kick of vodka and tomato. The silky sauce, finished with double cream or mascarpone, coats every strand of rigatoni or penne for a comforting, quick dinner.

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Alla Vodka Pasta by Tyler Butt, a frame from the Instagram video

Method

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over low heat.

  2. Add the finely sliced onions, chilli flakes, and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for 10‑12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very soft and translucent.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Onions are soft and translucent. Stir occasionally to cook them evenly.

  3. Pour in the vodka and simmer for 2‑3 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate.

  4. Stir in the tomato purée and cook for 4‑5 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture darkens and thickens.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Tomato mixture is darker and thicker. Stir often to keep the purée from catching.

  5. Transfer the sauce to a blender (or use an immersion stick blender) and blend until completely smooth and silky.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Sauce is smooth and silky. Blend carefully while the sauce is hot.

  6. Return the blended sauce to the pan, stir in the double cream (or mascarpone) and season with salt and black pepper. Simmer gently for 2‑3 minutes until the sauce is glossy and cohesive.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Sauce looks glossy and cohesive. Keep the simmer gentle after adding the cream.

  7. While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the rigatoni or penne, and cook until al dente according to package instructions.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Pasta is al dente. Follow the package guidance for doneness.

  8. Reserve a splash of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Add the pasta to the sauce, pour in a little of the reserved water, and toss well until everything is evenly coated and creamy.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Pasta is evenly coated and creamy. Add reserved water gradually while tossing.

  9. Finish with an extra grind of black pepper, additional chilli flakes if desired, and a small drizzle of olive oil.

  10. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan.

Tips while you cook

Slice onions finely
Finely slice the onions before adding them.
Reserve pasta water
Save a splash of the pasta cooking water before draining; add it to the sauce.
Blend sauce before cream
Blend the sauce after adding tomato purée and before returning it to the pan, ensuring a completely smooth texture before stirring in cream or mascarpone.
Simmer sauce gently
Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer when adding the cream and seasoning to maintain a glossy consistency without boiling.

Notes from ReelsMeals, based on this recipe's ingredients, times and method. They are not the creator's instructions.

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Tyler Butt made this.

The recipe comes from Tyler Butt’s Instagram reel. ReelsMeals wrote it down from the caption and the voiceover. Check the original if something looks off, and for anything about allergens.

Are you Tyler Butt and want this changed? Email [email protected].

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