Rigatoni Topped With Homemade Vodka Sauce

This homemade vodka sauce comes together quickly for a perfect weeknight meal. The combination of lots of tomato paste and heavy cream is the secret to this delicious sauce. At Functional Medicine Los Angeles, we emphasize the connection between the foods we eat and overall health.

Our functional medicine Burbank experts believe that this dish is also an opportunity to nourish your body and support your well-being.

As a provider of functional medicine Los Angeles, we suggest you create a meal that not only satisfies your taste buds but also aligns with a balanced and healthy lifestyle by following this recipe.

1. Prep time: 10 minutes
2. Cook time: 20 minutes
3. Serves: 4

Ingredients

1. 12 oz. rigatoni
2. 2 T. olive oil
3. 1 medium onion, very finely diced
4. 2 garlic cloves, minced
5. 3/4 c. thick tomato paste
6. 1/4 c. vodka
7. 1 c. heavy cream
8. 2 T. butter
9. 3 oz. Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
10. 1/4 c. fresh basil, thinly sliced
11. salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Bring a large stockpot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni al dente, according to package directions. When pasta is finished cooking, reserve a cup or so of pasta cooking water prior to draining and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add onion and garlic. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become slightly soft and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Add tomato paste and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring often.
5. Remove skilled from heat. De-glaze the skillet with the vodka, return to heat  and cook until it is mostly evaporated, approximately 1-2 minutes.
6. Add a splash of the pasta cooking water and continue simmering for another 1-2 minutes.
7. Pour in the cream and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the butter and Parmesan and whisk until a smooth, thick sauce forms.
8. Add drained pasta to the sauce. Toss until the sauce coats all of the pasta.
9. Serve topped with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
10. Enjoy!

Our functional medicine Studio City specialists encourage mindful eating as part of a comprehensive approach to wellness. Pair this Rigatoni with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp salad to add more fiber and nutrients to your meal. Small, intentional choices like these can make a big difference in your overall health.

Looking for more tips on how to blend delicious meals with a health-focused approach? Connect with our functional medicine doctors to discover how nutrition plays a vital role in your wellness journey.