Not only does this Very Merry Vodka Rigatoni give you all the feels, it gives you a mouthwatering dish in 30 minutes or less! It is the easiest, most satisfying dish to make from scratch. It is made up of minimal key ingredients that also won’t break the bank. Whether you are looking for a tasty week night meal, a dish to impress your family and friends that looks and tastes like ”restaurant quality” or you are craving all the warmth and comfort this dish is for you!

Now, Let’s Talk Booze: I know what you’re thinking, I can’t believe that there is actually vodka in here! Does it taste like vodka!? Simple answer not at all. When some of you think of vodka it might bring back memories of taking shots back in your college days or even last week HA. Maybe even some memories of your favorite martini from your favorite restaurant or that one vacation you went on pre-covid.

But, with that being said, I created this recipe because I wanted to make new memories with you right in your kitchen and the comfort of your own home. It in fact, can be used in food and it actually might catch you by surprise on how delicious it is! When you add vodka to a sauce it balances out the flavor from the sweet tomato and cream base. In addition, it adds a bit of heat, sharpness and depth in the best possible way.

Also, make sure to use good quality vodka. Just think of those shots or cocktails when you could tell the quality of vodka was not good and you had to choke it down. Please don’t to that to your special pasta dish. Do yourself a favor and give a good dish a good quality vodka that it deserves.

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‍Next, The Noodles: When it came to the noodles, I opted to pick larger rigatoni noodles. When I think of a really good pasta dish, I think about the times I went to Little Italy in Chicago and I would visit as authentic as it can get Italian restaurants. They had some of the best dishes I have ever tasted. Sauce was extra creamy, cheese was extra fresh and pasta noodles were extra large. I wanted this recipe and dish to have the taste and look as close to restaurant quality as it can get, especially since these days restaurants are not as easily as accessible as they used to be. There is something about the larger noodles that when drenched in the creamy sauce make it extra good. So, the larger = the better!

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Last, The Greens: We all need to get those greens in someway or another am I right or am I right!? So, the inspiration to add in good for you greens not only came about because of the holidays, but because we all want to feel somewhat healthy while being indulgent. I incorporated spinach and peas for extra texture, colors and nutrition.

Now that we have covered the three main aspects of the dish, lets get cooking! Grab that apron and get ready for this recipe to give you all the feels.

Did you make this? If so, make sure to tag and follow @prettyplatebymichelle on instagram or leave a comment below and let me know what you thought! I would love to see your Pretty Plate and hear from you!