Vegan Creamy Tomato Vodka Sauce

Total time45 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time35 min

Onion and garlic build the savory base here, bloomed with red pepper flakes and a rich spoonful of tomato paste cooked until it turns brick-red and deeply flavorful. A splash of vodka gets simmered right into the pan, lifting all those browned bits before crushed San Marzano tomatoes and a touch of sugar turn everything into a thick, glossy sauce. It simmers low and slow until it's a uniform, luscious blush-pink, coating the back of a spoon in a clean, velvety line. Torn fresh basil stirred in at the end adds a bright, herby finish that balances the deep tomato flavor underneath. This one is a great pick for a vegan dinner rotation, especially tossed with your favorite pasta for a cozy, restaurant-style meal at home.

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Ingredients

4 servings

2 tbsp unsalted butter
Country Crock Dairy Free Plant Butter Made With Olive Oil Miyoko's Creamery Plant Milk European Style Salted Butter, 8 oz Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks Violife 100% Vegan Unsalted Plant Butter Country Crock Dairy Free Plant Butter with Avocado Oil
See all
Chef's tip
Use a stick or block-style dairy-free butter - not a soft tub spread - and swap one-for-one.
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
2 tbsp tomato paste
⅓ cup vodka
1 can (28 oz) crushed san marzano tomatoes
1 tsp sugar
¾ cup heavy cream
Chef's tip
Use unsweetened dairy-free heavy cream in cooked sauces, soups, and ganache. For whipped uses, choose a product labeled whippable.
½ cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
Chef's tip
Match the form the recipe uses - grated for sprinkling and sauces, a firm wedge for shaving. If the recipe melts the cheese, choose a product labeled meltable.
salt and pepper, to taste
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)

Instructions

1
Melt the butter with the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until the butter is foamy and the fat shimmers.
2
Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 6–8 minutes.

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