Easy Tomato Vodka Cream Sauce Recipe You Can Make Ahead and Freeze

This recipe calls for a bit of vodka (or white wine.) But, the spirits cook off during preparation and give it a distinct and elegant flavor.

The ingredient list is simple. Shhh...it uses canned tomatoes. But, it also calls for fresh garlic and basil. It is easy to throw this one together at a moment's notice and impress your guests at the same time. Use the tips below to use every last drop of the ingredients and make up batches to freeze.

Some ideas on how to use a tomato-based vodka cream sauce:

• Serve over cheese ravioli (pictured with cheese ravioli)
• Serve over a specially-filled ravioli, such as lobster, asiago cheese or butternut squash
• Serve over any pasta - linguine, penne, twists
• Add your favorite seafood (pictured below with shrimp)
• Add grilled chicken
• Try this any time a recipe calls for a tomato-based sauce!

This recipe yields about 3 cups of tomato vodka cream sauce which serves 4 people.

1 cup crushed tomatoes from a can (see tip below)

1 cup diced tomatoes from a can, drained (see tip below)

1 cup whipping cream (1 pint container)

1/4 cup of vodka or white wine

2 garlic cloves, pressed or minced

Fresh basil, approximately 5-7 leaves. Roll and snip.

Dash of red pepper flakes (OPTIONAL)

Tip: Crushed tomatoes generally come in a 28 ounce can. Diced tomatoes can be found in a 12.5 ounce can. To use up all of the crushed tomatoes, assemble the recipe 3 times. You will need to purchase a 28 ounce can of crushed tomatoes and 2 cans of diced tomatoes. Of course, you will also need to triple the remaining ingredients too!

Follow these steps to make the sauce ahead of time and freeze it.

1. Add all of the ingredients to an empty ziplock bag. It is helpful to use a canister or bowl to stabilize the bag as you pour ingredients into it, particularly if you are assembling more than one bag.
2. Seal the bag tightly, removing excess air, and very gently turn to mix ingredients slightly.
3. Place the ziplock bag with the contents inside another ziplock bag for extra protection.
4. Print and cut the cooking directions below. Place the cooking directions between the ziplock bags. (See picture below.)

To prepare the sauce for immediate use simply add all of the ingredients to a skillet and follow the cooking instructions below.

Tomato Vodka Cream Sauce

Instructions: Thaw in refrigerator for approx. 24 hours. Pour contents of bag in skillet. Bring mixture to a very slow boil and then simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring as necessary.

Serving Suggestions: Serve over favorite pasta and seafood or chicken.

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Preparation date:______________________________

• If you will be serving with ravioli, you can add the ravioli to the sauce to cook during the last few minutes of cook time.
• This sauce freezes well. Consume within 2-3 months of freezing for the very best quality.
• This is a perfect special occasion dish: Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, Birthday, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day...This recipe was highly requested at store.