Barilla Heart-shaped Pasta with Vodka Sauce
Barilla Heart-shaped Pasta with Vodka Sauce
30 minutes total
This vodka sauce recipe is made with tomatoes, chili flakes, garlic, onion, vodka and heavy cream.
This is a twist on our deliciously classic vodka pasta recipe featuring Barilla Love Heart-shaped Pasta. We have added savory pancetta to the list of the ingredients for this dish. You can easily make it with or without that ingredient depending on your personal needs.
Cooking Tip: Vodka is used in this sauce, but it is simmered along with the heavy cream, cooking off the alcohol in the dish.
Holiday Pasta Recipes

Ingredients
Serves 6
Ingredients for Barilla Heart-shaped Pasta with Vodka Sauce:
1 | Box Barilla® Love Heart-shaped Pasta [Recipe originally made with Penne pasta] |
1 | Yellow onion, small dice |
2 | Cloves garlic, crushed |
2 | Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided |
3 | Tablespoons tomato paste or 3 Roma Tomatoes, diced |
¾ | Cup Vodka |
¾ | Cup heavy cream |
¼ | Cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated |
1 | Tablespoon Parsley chopped for garnish |
To taste | Salt black pepper, to taste |
[optional: 4 | Ounces pancetta] |
[optional: ½ | Teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes] |
Disclaimer
Individuals with allergies or specific dietary concerns should verify that the ingredients they utilize for the recipes comply with their restrictions.
Method
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, cook pasta according to package directions.
Step 2
Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium heat add olive oil and pancetta [if using]; cook until crispy.
Step 3
Add onion, and garlic, season with salt and pepper, sauté until onions are soft, 2-3 minutes.
Step 4
Add vodka to skillet, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 5
Add tomatoes or tomato paste and optional chili flakes for a touch of heat; cook for an additional 5-7 minutes.
Step 6
Stir in heavy cream until the sauce is beautifully pink.
Step 7
Drain pasta and add to the sauce. Mix well and top with remaining cheese. Garnish with parsley.

Limited Edition Love Pasta
Celebrate all shapes of love this season with Barilla Love, a Limited Edition heart-shaped pasta. Inspired by one of Barilla’s beloved pasta shapes, Mezzi Rigatoni, Barilla Love pasta is made just like the iconic Barilla Classic pasta fans know and love. Share a Valentine’s Day meal with a loved one with this unique Barilla pasta shape that cooks to perfect al dente texture every time. With over 145 years of pasta-making expertise and 100% commitment to quality, Barilla is more than great pasta, it’s A Sign of Love ®.
This is a seasonal item, available only in January and February at select retailers and restaurants nationwide while supplies last.
- Shape Heart
- Cook time 7–8 mins
- Pack size 12 oz.
- Range Classic Blue Box