Collage of various food items including pizza, ribs, macaroni and cheese, and grilled meat.

Creamy Phlippen Vodka Pasta

The pasta that tastes like it came from a fancy Italian restaurant, but takes less time than delivery. Phlippens sauce meets cream and vodka for a rich, smoky twist on the classic. It's creamy, it's indulgent, and it's about to become your new weeknight obsession.

Prep: 10m | Cook: 20m | Heat: Choice (Original for classic, Sweet Heat for a hint of sweetness)

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb rigatoni or penne pasta
  • ¾ cup Phlippens Sauce (Original or Sweet Heat)
  • ¼ cup vodka
  • 1 cup heavy cream (35%)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • Optional: Grilled chicken or shrimp for protein

The Gear:

  • Large pot for pasta
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Colander
  • Tongs or pasta fork

Instructions:

  1. The Boil: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. The Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. The Vodka: Pour in the vodka and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off the alcohol. You'll know it's ready when the sharp vodka smell mellows out.
  4. The Sauce: Add the Phlippens Sauce and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, then reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until smooth and let it gently bubble for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
  5. The Cheese: Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is silky. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. The Toss: Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time if the sauce needs loosening. The starch from the pasta water helps the sauce cling to every noodle.
  7. The Serve: Divide among bowls, garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while it's hot and creamy.

Phlippen Tip: Don't skip reserving that pasta water—it's liquid gold. The starch helps bind the sauce to the pasta and creates that restaurant-quality silky texture.

Pro-Tips & Pairings:

  • Leftover Love: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the creamy texture.
  • Drink This: A crisp Pinot Grigio, a dry rosé, or a classic Negroni to cut through the richness.
  • Hungry for More? Pair this with our Phlippen Sweet Heat Cauliflower Bake for a vegetarian feast, or serve alongside The Simplest Phlippen Salmon for surf and turf vibes.
  • Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken from our Phlippen Lollipop Chicken Drums recipe, or sauté some shrimp in butter and garlic for an elevated meal.
  • Make It Your Own: Add sun-dried tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or fresh spinach for extra flavour and texture.