I first made this recipe for Pasta with Pancetta and Vodka Sauce a few weeks ago for my best friend’s birthday dinner. He inhaled two big bowls of it and then moved on to a Monster Cookie sundae … before revisiting the kitchen for “just one more bowl” of the creamy pasta. As you can imagine, I wasn’t far behind him in the Tour de Carbs.
You might be tempted by the smell of golden brown cubes of crispy, salty pancetta, or perhaps you’re allured by the thought of eating vodka, rather than in addition to sipping and savoring it. But my main attraction to this recipe is its simplicity. I haven’t had as much time to cook weeknight meals recently (see: 320-page book project), but this recipe has made it possible to enjoy a homemade meal on Monday evenings, knowing I also have hot lunches and dinners for the week ahead. I pair a bowl of the pasta with an arugula salad tossed in my quick-fix balsamic-garlic dressing and a few curls of Parmesan.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces pasta (Recommended shapes: cavatappi, penne or rigatoni)
- 1/4 pound pancetta (one thick slice), medium diced
- 1/3 cup vodka (See Kelly's Notes below)
- 1 1/2 cups prepared marinara sauce, store-bought or homemade
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
- Place a large non-stick pan over medium heat and add the diced pancetta, sauteing it until golden brown.
- Once all of the pancetta is browned, add the vodka to the pan and cook it until it reduces by half, about 3 minutes.
- Add the prepared marinara sauce to the pan, then whisk in the heavy cream. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.
- While the sauce is simmering, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook it until al dente.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the pan with the sauce, tossing to coat.
- Serve the pasta topped with Parmesan cheese.
Kelly's Notes:
- If you don't have a non-stick pan, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to a regular pan, then add the diced pancetta and continue the method of preparation above.
- As the age-old rule stands, never cook with alcohol (or wine) that you wouldn't drink. Although it's tempting to skimp on the vodka and opt for a cheap brand, I encourage you to splurge on the higher-end varieties, as it really does impact the flavor of the sauce.
- Ask the butcher at your local supermarket about purchasing a thick slice of pancetta. But if one thick slice isn't an option, you can use the pre-packaged thin slices that are widely available.
- ★ Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to give it a star rating below!
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Recipe adapted from All Recipes.
So simple and easy to make, yet so good!!! I added garlic to the pancetta but kept everything else the same. Everyone loved it!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Jenny!
Made this last night and eating the leftovers for lunch as I type this. Sooooo good! Will be making this again for sure. :)
Thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Beth!
Made this tonight. Only change we made was to add two cloves of minced garlic. It was sooooooo good! Thank you for sharing this will be a new family favorite for sure.
Awesome! So glad you you enjoyed the recipe, Jackie! :)
Made this tonight and it was amazing!! Added shrimp and Locatelli cheese to the sauce…divine :)
So glad you enjoyed it, Cait!
Made this tonight for dinner – absolutely amazing! I’m really looking forward to the leftovers this week. I did modify it a little and add garlic, which really enhanced the flavor. The only thing I would change is the type of pasta I used – I had rigatoni on hand, but that pasta was a bit larger than the cavatappi used in the example. I felt like the sauce wasn’t enough to really coat it all, so I made a bit more sauce to toss on!
So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Katelyn! Love the addition of the garlic!
Absolutely delish….so easy to make. Used half&half as that’s what I had in the fridge. Will def. Have this as a go-to meal. Thinking of adding garlic & shallots next time.
I have heard of a vodka salmon sauce for pasta but this also sounds interesting. I was just wondering – what does the vodka add to the sauce (besides callories)? Does ir actually add any special taste?
Hi Inese! Vodka has a very distinctive flavor, and in this recipe in particular, it helps de-glaze the pan so that all the pieces of pancetta are released. Enjoy!
What are you doing to me tempting me with your pancetta? Why oh why did I decide to be a pescatarian?
Vodka sauce is my favorite and I’ve never made it from scratch. This recipe was so quick and easy I’m def making this again! My boyfriend inhaled it!
This looks so tasty. I love trying out new pasta recipes. Beautiful photos!
Thank you, Jaclyn!
I am going to be making this tomorrow night for one of my famous pasta parties. Can’t wait!
I hope you enjoy this, Buckley! I know how popular your pasta parties are, so please let me know how the recipe turns out :)
Oh my. This looks delicious…comfort food! Can’t wait to try it!
This recipe just made my day. Seriously. I’m pretty sure I have everything except the pancetta at home. I definitely have the vodka. ;) I’m stopping off at the store for some pancetta and making this tonight. Dinner dilemma solved!
Oh my, goose and pasta? Between this and the pecan pie bars my husband will wonder where his wife went!!!
looks fabulous! Hope you had a great holiday!
This sounds delicious! I am a sucker for a good vodka sauce. Or just vodka. HAHAHA.
Haha! We are twins!
mmm looks easy enough to make one weeknight! :)
BOOOOOOOOK.MAAAAAAAAAARKED. Oh my heavens.