Yes, pasta containing vodka is safe for children to eat because the alcohol cooks off during the simmering process. This ziti alla vodka is a meal for the whole family.
Photo by Gina Moore
Serves 4–6
1 16-ounce box ziti pasta
Kosher salt
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large (or 2 small) shallots, finely chopped
3 large garlic cloves, minced
1 4.5-ounce tube tomato paste
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 ounces vodka
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup Parmesan cheese
Small basil leaves or rough-chopped basil, for garnish
Additional Parmesan, for garnish
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling (optional)
Cook pasta according to package instructions in liberally salted water. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, over medium heat, melt butter. Add shallots and cook until softened, 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add tomato paste and pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until garlic begins to darken, 4–5 minutes. Add vodka and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from bottom of pot.
Strain pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water. Add ¼ cup of warm pasta water to cream and add the mixture to the sauce, stirring to combine. Add in half of Parmesan and stir until melted. Remove from heat and stir in pasta. Fold in remaining Parmesan and enough pasta water to thin the sauce, if needed.
Divide among serving bowls and serve with basil and additional Parmesan. Drizzle with a small amount of olive oil if desired.
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