Fresh Heirloom Tomato Vodka Pasta (Garden-to-Table Perfection)

Bright, creamy, herb-packed, and made with real fresh tomatoes — not canned.

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

---

🍅 Ingredients

Fresh Tomato Vodka Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 4–5 large heirloom tomatoes, chopped (or 6–7 small)

• ¼ cup tomato paste

• ½ cup vodka

• 1 cup heavy cream (or ¾ cup for a lighter version)

• ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, but sooo good)

• 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)

• Fresh cracked black pepper

Fresh Herbs

• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil

• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried)

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Pasta

• 12 oz pasta of choice (rigatoni, penne, or fettuccine)

• Reserved pasta water

Finish

• Fresh parmesan

• Extra basil

• Olive oil drizzle

---

Instructions

1. Prep the Tomatoes

Dice your heirloom tomatoes into small chunks so they break down quicker.
Keep all the juices — that’s where the flavor is!

---

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet:

1. Heat olive oil.

2. Add diced onion → cook 4–5 minutes until soft.

3. Add minced garlic → cook 1 minute until fragrant.

---

3. Add Tomatoes & Reduce

Add chopped heirloom tomatoes directly to the pan.
Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes.

Cook uncovered 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and turn saucy.

---

4. Add Tomato Paste + Vodka

Stir in the tomato paste until well combined.

Pour in the vodka, stir, and simmer 5 minutes to cook off the alcohol and deepen the flavor.

(The vodka helps emulsify the sauce and gives that signature tang.)

---

5. Add Cream + Herbs

Turn heat to low and stir in the cream.

Add:

• fresh basil

• fresh oregano

• fresh parsley

Simmer 2–3 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and slightly thickened.

Taste and adjust salt.

---

6. Cook Pasta & Combine

Boil pasta in salted water.
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water.

Add cooked pasta directly into the sauce.
Add a splash of pasta water and toss until glossy and coated.

---

7. Finish + Serve

Top with:

• fresh chopped basil

• grated parmesan

• a drizzle of good olive oil

Serve immediately.

---

✨ Notes (Kendra Tips)

• Add burrata on top for a dreamy creamy finish.

• Add roasted cherry tomatoes for extra sweetness.

• Want protein? Add shredded chicken or sautéed shrimp.

• Make it dairy-free using coconut cream — still amazing!