Time to cozy up and indulge in this Spicy Vodka Pasta with Bacon that is just too good for words! This recipe is inspired by a no frills corner pizza joint (named Danny’s) next to my old apartment in Bushwick.
Table of Contents
What is Spicy Vodka Pasta with Bacon?
This Spicy Vodka Pasta with Bacon is just like a regular vodka sauce recipe but with crispy, savory bacon!
Each bite of this easy pasta recipe will make your head explode with its smoky bacon, fiery spice, and creamy indulgence!
The glorious orange sauce marries harmoniously with the perfectly cooked al dente pasta and creamy burrata cheese -- creating a dish that will leave you craving more.
Trust me, this Spicy Vodka Pasta with Bacon will rock your world!
Ingredients and Substitutions to make Spicy Vodka Pasta with Bacon
- Bacon - You could also use guancialle, prosciutto, or even pancetta. If you don't eat meat, try my regular spicy vodka rigatoni.
- Shallot - Onions work as a great substitution.
- Garlic - If you don't have fresh garlic, you can use ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
- Tomato paste - Tomato paste is the base of this recipe so there is no substitution.
- Calabrian chili - Red pepper flakes also work in place of calabrian chili.
- Shot Vodka - If you don't have vodka, you can use a shot of white wine of even chicken stock.
- Salted butter - You could use olive oil but this recipe SINGS with salty butter!
- Heavy cream - No real sub on heavy cream. You could use whole milk or unsweetened nut pods but i would advise against that unless you absolutely had to!
- Parmigiano - Pecorino, Grana Padana or another hard aged italian cheese would work.
- Shellbows - Any shape of pasta will work just fine!
- Burrata - If you don't have burrata, you could use my burrata hack or fresh mozzarella or even some ricotta.
How to make Spicy Vodka Pasta with Bacon
Making spicy vodka pasta with bacon is pretty easy as long as you've got the right ingredients!
To begin, you'll want to add pasta to salted boiling water and cook until it’s al dente. Strain and reserve two cups pasta water and set aside.
Next, add chopped bacon to a large sauce pan over medium heat and sauté until crisp. Place cooked bacon in a small bowl and leave the grease in the pan.
Add shallots and cook down for 2 minutes before adding garlic. Then cook down for another 2 minutes, stirring often, until the garlic and shallots are soft and fragrant but not browned.
Next, add the Calabrian chili paste and the tomato paste to the pan and continue stirring until everything is incorporated and the tomato paste has darkened slightly; about 5 minutes.
If you don't have calabrian chili paste, you could use red pepper flakes.
Now add the vodka and stir to deglaze.
Turn the heat to medium-low and add heavy cream and stir.
Let it simmer then stir in the butter, parmesan, and bacon (leaving a lil off to the side for garnish)
Now that everything is ready, add in the al dente pasta and toss it with the sauce.
Then add ½ a cup of pasta water and stir. If it’s silky and smooth, you’re good to go - if it’s still a lil thick, add another ½ cup of pasta water at a time until silky and coated.
Before serving, I like to top the whole thing with burrata and the reserved bacon followed by a little bit of flaky salt, pepper and good finishing olive oil.
What goes with Spicy Vodka Pasta with Bacon?
For an appetizer, I suggest making my Poolside Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad, this Easy Grinder Salad Recipe, a burrata caprese salad, or even these little ciabatta caprese sandwiches cut into fourths.
And if you'd like more tasty pasta recipes, try this Gochujang Pasta, Garlic confit baked feta pasta, Creamy Pesto Pasta or One Pot Cheesy Orzo with Broccoli.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Spicy Vodka Pasta with Bacon without alcohol?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use vodka or simply don't have any on hand, you can still enjoy a delicious version of this pasta dish. Just replace the vodka with an equal amount of white wine, chicken or vegetable broth. I honestly don't think you'll even be able to tell!
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
The type of pasta that works best is the type of pasta that works best for YOU! Seriously, use whatever shape you like! For traditional options, I recommend penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine.. However, if you're feeling adventurous, you can try using fun shapes like mafaldine, these shellbows or even orzo!
Can I reheat the leftovers?
Of course! Spicy Vodka Pasta with Bacon reheats the best when you add a splash of water or milk to the bowl. I recommend heating it up on the stovetop or in the microwave.
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Recipe
Spicy Vodka Pasta with Bacon
Ingredients
- ½ lb Bacon finely diced
- 1 whole Shallot minced (or sub ¼ sweet onion, minced)
- 5 cloves Garlic minced
- 3 tablespoon Tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Calabrian chilis or sub for 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 shot vodka
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 2 tablespoon Salted butter
- ½ cup Grated parmesan divided
- ½ lb Tubed pasta I’m using Lumachine
- 2 balls Burrata
- 1 tablespoon Finishing Olive oil
Instructions
- Add pasta to salted water and cook pasta until it’s al dente. Strain and reserve two cups pasta water and set aside.
- Add bacon to a sauce pan over medium heat and sautee until crisp. Place cooked bacon in a small bowl and leave the grease in the pan.
- Add shallots and cook down for 2 minutes before adding garlic. Cook down for another 2 minutes, stirring often, until the garlic and shallot are soft and fragrant but not browned.
- Next, add the Calabrian chili paste and the tomato paste to the pan and continue stirring until everything is incorporated and the tomato paste has darkened slightly; about 5 minutes.
- Now add the vodka and stir to deglaze.
- Turn the heat to medium-low and add heavy cream and stir. Let it simmer then stir in the butter, parmesan, and bacon (leaving a lil off to the side for garnish)
- Add in the al dente pasta and toss it with the sauce. Then add ¼ a cup of pasta water and stir. If it’s silky and smooth, you’re good to go - if it’s still a lil thick, add 2 tablespoon of pasta water at a time until silky.
- Top with burrata and bacon and flaky salt and enjoy.
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