Shrimp alla Vodka

5 from 10 votes

Shrimp alla vodka combines succulent shrimp with al dente pasta tossed together in a creamy pink sauce and topped with hand-torn fresh basil leaves. This creamy and comforting pasta is easy to make in about 40 minutes.

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Total Time40

Course: pasta

Cuisine: Italian

Servings:

Author: James Delmage and Tara

Ingredients

For the shrimp brine

1 1/4 pounds large shrimp cleaned and tails removed
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon Calabrian chili paste or more to taste

For the vodka sauce

1 pound rigatoni or ridged paccheri or any tubular pasta you like
7 tablespoons olive oil divided
1 medium onion diced
4 cloves garlic minced
1/2 teaspoon Calabrian chili paste
4 ounces vodka
4 ounces dry white wine
1 28-ounce can plum tomatoes hand crushed or blender pulsed
1 cup heavy cream
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup basil hand torn for finishing
1 cup reserved pasta water to thin if needed - will most likely not need all of it

Instructions

For the shrimp brine

In a bowl, mix all of the shrimp brine ingredients and cover and refrigerate while making sauce.

For the vodka sauce

Bring a large pot of salted (2 tablespoons per gallon) water to boil.
Heat a large pan to medium-low heat with 1/4 cup of olive oil and saute the onion for 4-5 minutes or until soft. Once soft add in the garlic and cook for 1-2 more minutes or until lightly golden. Add the Calabrian chili paste and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the white wine and vodka to the pan and turn the heat to medium-high. Let the alcohol cook out and reduce for 3 minutes or until it reduces by about half.
Next, add in the tomatoes and mix well to incorporate. Bring to a lively simmer then turn the heat down to low.
At this time begin boiling the pasta to 1 minute less than al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large pan to medium-high heat and add the remaining olive oil. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels then add them to the hot pan. Cook the shrimp until pink on both sides (about 3 minutes total) then place them on a plate and tent lightly with foil.
Add the cream to the sauce and stir to combine. Let the sauce cook on the lowest setting.
Add the almost al dente pasta to the sauce along with the shrimp and stir to combine. Cook the pasta until it just reaches al dente then remove the pan from the heat.
Taste test and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Add the basil and toss to coat. If the pasta is at all dry, add a couple of ounces of pasta water to get the consistency just right. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Makes 6 moderate or 4 large portions
Calabrian chili paste levels should be adjusted to personal spice preferences.
Any large shrimp will work for this dish
Leftovers can be saved for up to 3 days in the fridge and can be reheated in the microwave.

Nutrition