🧡 Why You’ll Love This Pastina alla Vodka Recipe
If you love pasta, burrata, and all things creamy and cozy—this recipe is about to steal your heart! It’s rich, flavorful, and comes together in one pot for the ultimate weeknight win. Plus, it’s made with pastina—those tiny, nostalgic pasta stars that just scream comfort food.
Oh, and did I mention it’s topped with burrata? YES. That luscious, creamy center melts right into the vodka sauce like a dream.
Whether you’re feeling under the weather, craving something indulgent, or just want a quick bowl of magic—this one’s for you. 💫
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, but it delivers restaurant-worthy flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 dash olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 shot vodka (optional but amazing for depth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz pastina (or any tiny pasta!)
- Salt, pepper, garlic & onion powder, to taste
- 1 tbsp butter (for finishing)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Burrata cheese, for topping (optional but highly recommended!)
- Extra olive oil & cracked black pepper, to finish
🍅 How to Make Pastina alla Vodka (Step-by-Step)
This dish is creamy, flavorful, and surprisingly quick to whip up. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Build That Flavor Base
Start by adding 3 tablespoons of butter and a dash of olive oil to a deep pan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—just about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn it!
Step 2: Add Tomato Paste & Vodka
Next, stir in 4 tablespoons of tomato paste. Cook for a few minutes until the paste darkens—it brings out the natural sweetness and umami. Then pour in 1 shot of vodka and let it simmer for a few minutes so the alcohol cooks off, leaving only the rich flavor.
🍸 Don’t worry—you can skip the vodka if needed, but it really deepens the taste of the sauce!
Step 3: Make It Creamy
Add 1 cup of heavy cream and stir well. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to your taste.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth
Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth and bring the whole thing back to a simmer. This is going to be the base that the pastina cooks in—flavor city!
Step 5: Cook the Pastina
Add in 8 oz of dry pastina, stir, and let it cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring frequently. The pastina will soak up the broth and become ultra creamy. If it’s looking too thick or the pasta isn’t fully cooked, just add a bit more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 6: Finish With Butter & Cheese
Once the pastina is tender, stir in 1 tablespoon of butter and ½ cup of grated Parmesan. Creamy, cheesy goodness = achieved. 💯
🧀 Let’s Talk Burrata (aka the Best Part!)
Now for the grand finale—burrata! Place a ball of burrata on top of your pastina and watch it slowly melt into the warm, velvety sauce. The combination of creamy center and cheesy pasta is unbeatable. Add a drizzle of olive oil and some fresh-cracked black pepper to finish it off.
💡 Pro Tip: If you don’t have burrata, a scoop of ricotta or a sprinkle of mozzarella will still be delicious!
🥣 Serving Suggestions
- Solo meal? Grab a spoon and cozy up with a big bowl.
- Hosting dinner? Serve in small bowls as a luxe starter.
- Want veggies? Add some sautéed spinach, peas, or roasted tomatoes.
- Need protein? Pair with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta!
❄️ Storing & Reheating Tips
- To Store: Let leftovers cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Add a splash of broth or cream and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently.
🧂 Recipe Variations
Want to make it your own? Here are a few fun twists:
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Veggie-Packed: Stir in spinach, kale, or mushrooms before serving.
- No Vodka? Sub white wine or skip it entirely—still delish!
- No Heavy Cream? Use half & half, coconut cream, or cashew cream.
❤️ Why Pastina alla Vodka Works
This recipe is the perfect marriage of creamy vodka sauce and the nostalgic magic of tiny pasta. It’s quick, customizable, and bursting with rich flavor. Plus, the burrata topping turns it into a total showstopper with minimal effort.
Whether it’s a self-care Sunday, date night, or “I need carbs now” kind of day—this bowl of love delivers every single time.
📌 Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a way to level up your comfort food game, this Pastina alla Vodka with Burrata is the answer. It’s simple, indulgent, and totally worth every bite.
So go ahead—grab that spoon, crack open the burrata, and dig in.
Happy cooking!
– Keira 💕