Double Vodka Sauce Pasta
Updated Jul 14, 2025, Published on Jul 06, 2023
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DOUBLE vodka sauce pasta? - yes, you heard that right. This delicious pasta recipe utilizes vodka sauce in two ways! The first way is the spicy tomato-based sauce mixed with onions and garlic. The second way is the tomato alla vodka cannellini beans mixed into the sauce.
If you follow my recipes, you know I'm a HUGE fan of vodka sauce! Maybe you've tried my quick & easy vodka sauce, or my tortellini alla vodka soup, or my pepperoni vodka sauce sliders. This recipe is another fun twist on classic vodka sauce!
Ingredients
- Brown Butter Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs add a satisfying crunch and yummy salty flavor to this pasta dish.
- Pasta: I used Gigli/Campanelle pasta. It's perfect for soaking up all the sauce. A short shape like rigatoni or penne would work great as well.
- Butter
- Yellow Onion
- Garlic
- Tomato Paste: Tomato paste is a concentrated form of tomatoes, offering a deep and intense tomato flavor. Make sure to cook for several minutes so the tomato paste darkens and intensifies in flavor.
- Calabrian Chili Paste: This paste, made from Calabrian chili peppers, adds a spicy kick. It brings a robust and complex flavor to the dish, balancing the richness of the other ingredients.
- Vodka: You can also use water or broth if you don't like cooking with alcohol. I use the vodka to deglaze the pan and add some flavor to the dish.
- Tomato alla Vodka Cannellini Beans: I used cannellini beans in a tomato alla vodka sauce. If you don't have these specific beans, you can add some tomato sauce, heavy cream, and seasonings to add additional sauciness and flavor to the dish. See note at the bottom of the recipe.
- Sugar: A small amount of sugar is added to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance their natural sweetness.
- Salt and Pepper
- Parmesan Cheese: freshly grated is best! I use my Microplane Grater to make this really easy.
Instructions
To begin, prepare brown butter breadcrumbs using the recipe provided. These breadcrumbs will add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
While the breadcrumbs are being prepared, cook your choice of pasta according to the package instructions. Don't forget to reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining it. This starchy water will come in handy later to create a silky and flavorful sauce.
In a large high-rimmed pan, melt some butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook them until they turn golden and fragrant. Next, toss in the minced garlic.
Now, it's time to introduce the star ingredients: tomato paste and Calabrian chili paste. Stir them into the pan, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. After a few minutes, pour in the vodka to deglaze the pan, and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to cook off the alcohol.
Then it's time to add the Tomato alla Vodka Cannellini Beans. If you don't have these beans, don't worry! You can substitute regular cannellini beans, crushed tomatoes, and a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk to achieve a similar creamy texture. Season the mixture with a pinch of sugar, salt, and pepper, and let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Now comes the exciting part—bringing everything together! Transfer the cooked pasta and a generous splash of the reserved pasta water to the pan. Give it a good stir to ensure that every piece of pasta is coated in the luscious sauce. Adjust the consistency by adding more pasta water if needed.
To serve, divide into bowls, and generously sprinkle them with the addicting brown butter breadcrumbs. For the finishing touch, grate some fresh Parmesan cheese over the top and ENJOY!
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This combination of vodka sauce, cannellini beans, tender pasta, and salty brown butter breadcrumbs is so satisfying. It's an easy and filling dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes so it's perfect for any night of the week!
If you try this recipe, feel free to rate/leave a review. You can also tag me on Instagram or TikTok!
Double Vodka Sauce Pasta
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup Brown Butter Breadcrumbs, Click the link for my recipe!
- 12 oz Pasta, I used Gigli, but any short cut such as penne or rigatoni will work
- 1 cup Pasta Water, reserve before draining the pasta
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- 1/2 Yellow Onion, chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoon Tomato Paste
- 1 tablespoon Calabrian Chili Paste, adjust to taste
- 1/4 cup Vodka, can also use water or broth
- 15 oz Tomato alla Vodka Cannellini Beans, see note
- 1/4 teaspoon Granulated Sugar
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper, to taste
- Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated to serve
Instructions
- Make brown butter breadcrumbs and set aside for serving. My recipe is linked.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions. Make sure to set aside about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Melt butter in a large high-rimmed pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions. Cook, stirring often, for 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring often, for another minute.
- Add the tomato paste and Calabrian chili paste. Stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Cook for 4 minutes until darkened in color. Pour in the vodka to deglaze the pan. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release any stuck bits. Let the vodka cook off for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the tomato alla vodka cannellini beans. See note below if you're using regular cannellini beans. Season with sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Transfer over 1/2 a cup of pasta water and the cooked pasta. Stir to combine well. Add additional pasta water as needed.
- Divide among bowls and top with brown butter breadcrumbs and freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Video
@carolbeecooks DOUBLE vodka pasta 🍝 vodka sauce + tomato alla vodka cannellini beans. I hope you try it! #pastatiktok #vodkasauce #beans
♬ Can't Believe It (feat. Lil' Wayne) (Instrumental) - T-Pain
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
