Vodka Sauce

Vodka sauce is a creamy, pink-hued pasta sauce that originated in Italy but gained immense popularity in the United States, particularly in Italian-American cuisine. It is typically made from tomatoes, heavy cream, onions, garlic, and a splash of vodka, which helps meld the flavors and adds a subtle, sharp note.

🍳 View the full Vodka Sauce recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This sauce is generally high in fat and calories due to its heavy cream content, with a single serving often containing 200-300 calories. It provides some lycopene from the tomatoes and calcium from the cream, but is not a significant source of protein or fiber.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	300 kcal
Protein	5 g
Carbs	12 g
Fat	25 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	8 g
Sodium	600 mg
Vitamin A	800 IU
Vitamin C	15 mg
Calcium	100 mg
Iron	1.5 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Vitamin D	2 mcg
Vitamin B12	0.5 mcg
Phosphorus	120 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The addition of vodka is not just for flavor; it acts as an emulsifier, helping the fat from the cream and the water-based tomato components blend into a smooth, stable sauce. Culturally, it represents a successful fusion, becoming a beloved staple in many Western kitchens despite its relatively recent invention.