Creamy Vodka Sauce (Shortcut Recipe)

This easy vodka sauce is a snap to put together, and your dinner will be on the table in about 20 minutes, I promise. Enjoy!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Servings servings

Calories 476kcal

Author Jennifer Field

Ingredients

For the Easy Creamy Marinara Sauce

2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flake , to taste
1 24 oz jar Barilla® Natural Marinara Sauce
¼ cup vodka (sub water or stock if you don't want to use alcohol)
4 oz cream cheese (1/2 block)
2 oz finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar (if needed for sweetness)

To Finish and Serve

1 pound Barilla® Organic Penne

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, heat the oil until it shimmers.
Add the pepper flake and swirl for a few seconds to flavor the oil.
Pour in the jar of Barilla® Marinara sauce and stir well. Bring to a simmer and add the water or stock.
Simmer and stir for about 5 minutes just to reduce the sauce a bit.
Stir in the cream cheese until melted, and then stir in the grated Pecorino Romano.
Taste, and if needed, add the balsamic for a bit of brightness. I quite liked it in mine.

To Finish and Serve

Cook the Barilla® Organice Penne according to package directions. Boil only 7 minutes rather than 9, then drain it, reserving 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
Add the pasta and water to the creamy marinara sauce and stir well over high heat until the pasta is done and the sauce beautifully coats every piece of penne.
Serve with extra grated cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
Enjoy!

Notes

If you make your sauce while your pasta water is coming to a boil and while your pasta is cooking, I promise you dinner can be on the table in about 20 minutes!

Nutrition