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Valentine's Day Date-Night Pasta Recipes For Two

Valentine’s Day Date-Night Pasta Recipes For Two


  • Author: Gianna Ferrini

Ingredients

Scale

If Making Sauce:

  • 1 32 oz can whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes
  • 1 6 oz can tomato paste
  • 6 oz water
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 12 oz vodka
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup pecorino Romano cheese
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp pepper
  • ​1 pinch of red pepper flakes (or more if you like a spicy tomato sauce)
  • 1 lb pasta of choice

If Using Jarred Sauce:

  • 1 jar tomato sauce of choice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 12 oz vodka
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup pecorino Romano cheese
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 pinch of red pepper flakes (or more if you like a spicy tomato sauce)
  • 1 lb pasta of choice

Instructions

  1. Using a food processor or your hands, crush the San Marzano tomatoes until they’ve made a puree. Set to the side.
  2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat your oil, add your onions, and saute until translucent.
  3. Once onions are fragrant and translucent, add garlic, stirring constantly until fragrant.
  4. ​***If using jarred tomato sauce, begin the recipe at the next line
  5. Turn down the heat slightly and slowly add vodka, staying far away from the pan as possible. Let cook for two or so minutes until the alcohol burns off.
  6. Add the San Marzano tomatoes, can of tomato paste, and equal parts water to tomato paste. Stir well to combine, season with red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
  7. Cover the pan with a lid, leaving a tiny bit of the pan uncovered. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  8. After 15-20 minutes, stir with a wooden spoon, and add heavy cream and Romano cheese. Simmer for another 15 minutes.
  9. While your sauce is simmering, add a pound of pasta to a large, boiling pot of salted water. Cook until al dente.
  10. Add your pasta directly to the sauce, mix well, and plate.
  11. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
  12. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to five days. The sauce can be frozen for up to six months.