Vodka sauce is one of the most popular sauces in Italian recipes, and the reason is its flavorful and unique taste. Made with a delicious combination of heavy cream and tomato-based sauce, the sauce can be used in a wide variety of Italian recipes. There is a bit of debate regarding the origins of the delicious sauce, naturally with New York Italians claiming it was created statewide, with Old Country Italians insisting it was actually developed by a Roman chef who wished to popularize the spirit with Italian cuisine.
Regardless of its roots, the popularity of vodka sauce is undeniable, as it became one of the most popular pasta sauces. Existing somewhere between a delicious tomato sauce and a creamy alfredo sauce, vodka sauce is served in virtually any Italian recipe for good reason. The deliciously smooth pink sauce pairs effortlessly with countless kinds of pasta. But what is vodka sauce, and how exactly is it made? Why is it called vodka sauce if there isn’t a boozy kick? In this article, Pirro’s will explore what vodka sauce is, how it’s prepared, and how to serve it up for a deliciously flavorful pasta night on the horizon.
Is there vodka in vodka sauce?
Let’s begin by addressing the age-old question about vodka sauce of whether or not the sauce contains actual vodka. Short answer: yes, but you won’t be getting tipsy any time soon. Alcohol, especially wine, is used in a variety of Italian recipes to help emulsify the ingredients together as the perfect bonding agent for water, fat, and other vodka sauce ingredients. Vodka also adds an extra aromatic kick, which no one will ever complain about when it comes to pasta night. Vodka is added to the sauce for an extra tang, but as the vodka simmers with the caramelized tomatoes, the sauce becomes creamy, silky, and overall delicious.
What else is in vodka sauce?
Now that we’ve explored the role vodka plays within vodka sauce, let’s just clarify that it won’t be the main flavor for any dish. Vodka is far from the primary ingredient of vodka sauce, as it’s made with a complex combination of tomatoes and Italian ingredients. While vodka sauce recipes will vary based on preference or dietary restrictions, the most commonly used ingredients in vodka sauce include:
Pirro’s vodka sauce is made with a delicious combination of tomatoes, onion, shallot, cream, vodka, and various herbs and spices. Our recipe has been passed down through three generations of the Pirro family, so you can trust to taste true Italian flavors with our vodka sauce.
What Does Vodka Sauce Taste Like?
If you have a hard time choosing between a rich Alfredo sauce or a tangy tomato situation, we have good news for you: vodka sauce is the perfect combination of both. While not all vodka sauces will taste the same, they will usually feature a creamy, silky richness from the heavy cream, as well as an acidic and tangy bite from the slowly simmered tomatoes. Our short answer? Delicious.
What is Vodka Sauce Used For?
Vodka sauce is most traditionally used in a variety of pasta dishes, but Pirro’s is all about encouraging creativity in the kitchen. Vodka sauce pairs perfectly with many plates of pasta but is most primarily used in penne dishes. That said, any ribbon-like noodle tastes great with vodka sauce, such as pappardelle or tagliatelle. As for complementary meats, vodka sauce is super versatile. Vodka sauce tastes great with seafood like shrimp and lobster, or more savory meats like chicken and veal.
How to Heat Up Vodka Sauce
When preparing vodka sauce fresh, it’s going to be ready to add to any pasta dish. However, if you’re buying a jarred vodka sauce, like Pirro’s Vodka Sauce, it might require a bit of preparation before adding it to your favorite dishes. If you’re wondering how to heat up vodka sauce, we suggest following these simple steps:
- Step One: Choose your favorite vodka sauce, and begin boiling water for the pasta of your choosing.
- Step Two: Add the vodka sauce to a pan, and set the burner to medium heat.
- Step Three: Stir the vodka sauce occasionally, allowing the sauce to simmer to merge the delicious ingredients again.
- Step Four: Combine the sauce with the pasta or dish of your choosing, and enjoy!
Use Pirro’s Vodka Sauce For Your Next Dinner!
If you’re looking to take mealtime with loved ones to the next level, Pirro’s Vodka Sauce is a perfect choice. Bursting with delicious, authentic Italian flavor and tasting great in virtually any dish of your choosing, you can’t go wrong when you choose Pirro’s. The combination of fresh, US-sourced ingredients and time and dedication put into perfecting the Pirro’s family recipe, Pirro’s takes no shortcuts to genuine Italian flavor. Shop Pirro’s Sauces today to elevate the way you think of Italian cuisine.
