Dragon Crunch Vodka Sauce
A creamy, spicy twist on a classic—this vodka sauce is rich, velvety, and packed with flavor from Dragon Crunch. Perfect for penne, rigatoni, or any pasta you love.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ small onion, finely diced
2 tbsp tomato paste
¼ cup vodka
1 cup heavy cream
½–¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1–2 tbsp Dragon Crunch (adjust to taste)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Build the Flavor Base In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Develop the Tomato Base Add the tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it deepens in color.
4. Deglaze with Vodka Turn the heat off, and pour in the vodka. Once you’ve poured in all of the vodka, turn the heat back on and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the sauce to reduce slightly.
5. Make it Creamy Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Mix until smooth and gently simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Add the Dragon Crunch Stir in the Dragon Crunch, allowing the oil and spices to fully infuse into the sauce.
7. Finish the Sauce Add the parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
8. Combine with Pasta Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss until the pasta is fully coated and glossy.
Notes:
Start with 1 tablespoon of Dragon Crunch and increase to your preferred heat level. Freshly grated parmesan melts best and creates a smoother sauce. A splash of pasta water helps emulsify the sauce and gives it a silky finish. For a smoother sauce with less texture, use a hand blender to blend the sauce for a straight forward cream sauce without the texture Serving Suggestions Serve immediately with extra parmesan on top. Pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, shrimp, or a simple side salad.
Easy Mix-ins:
1. Add 1 tbs to 1/2 up mayo for a quick dragon crunch aioli- good for chicken sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches, fry sauce, etc
2. Funky Butter- 1 stick softened butter, 1/4 chopped parsley, 1-2 tbs of dragon crunch, salt (if using unsalted butter, omit salt if using salted) finely chopped fresh chives Pairs well with steak, noodles, corn, and crostini
3. Cream cheese spread- 1 block of softened cream cheese, 1-2 tbs of dragon crunch, freshly chopped chives or green onion. Perfect addition to your favorite breakfast bagel