5 Ingredient Vegan Vodka Pasta
Make this creamy vegan vodka pasta in just 25 minutes with only 5 ingredients! A luscious, dairy-free take on a classic, perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1 14-ounce can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 pound rotini or pasta of choice
- Reserved pasta water as needed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Additional seasonings to taste: black pepper olive oil, red pepper flakes, garlic salt
Instructions
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 2: Caramelize the Tomato Paste
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook until it deepens into a rich, brick-red color. This step is key for building depth and sweetness.
Step 3: Add Vodka and Coconut Milk
- Pour in the vodka, letting it sizzle for a moment to cook off the sharp alcohol flavor. Stir in the coconut milk and salt, then bring to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce bubble for a few minutes until creamy and slightly thickened.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
- Meanwhile, cook the rotini (or pasta of choice) in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing until evenly coated. If needed, stir in splashes of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency. Season to taste with black pepper, red pepper flakes, or an extra drizzle of olive oil. Serve warm and enjoy!