Vodka sauce or “alla vodka” pasta is such a part of the modern cooking world that you might be surprised at just how recently this style of sauce became popular. It was in the 1970s and early 1980s that adding a shot of vodka to a simple tomato and cream sauce became an easy way to engage with “New Italian Cuisine”- something that took the beloved Mediterranean cooking into new territory. Italy is known for its traditional architecture, food, and culture, but even a country that follows tradition can shake things up now and again. This Butter Beans alla Vodka recipe is a deceptively easy weeknight meal that blends this newer cuisine with the pantry staple of canned beans for a quick meal with flavor to spare.

The small amount of vodka in this recipe, like other “alla vodka” recipes, isn’t about a strong alcohol taste. In fact the alcohol should evaporate as this dish cooks. But, the flavor that’s left behind from the vodka is ever so slightly peppery and enhances the flavors in the sauce.

To bump up this effect you can even use flavored vodkas like chili for a little heat. Or you can make your own infused vodka by adding a bit of dried thyme or oregano stems to some vodka then placing that in a sealed container for 3-5 days or more. The herbal or spicy flavors will be absorbed into the alcohol and intensify the flavoring effect on the sauce. And, if you make too much you can easily make some herbal cocktails with the leftover flavored vodka.

For the sauce we’re using some garlic, onion, and tomato paste. We’re also using diced tomatoes, but you can use crushed or stewed canned tomatoes instead if you like. In the end the texture won’t be a big concern since a few pulses of the immersion blender make this sauce smoother instantly. For these photos I only did a few pulses to make sure there was a little bit of texture left. But, you can make this as smooth or as chunky as you like.

Once you’ve added in the cream and the vodka let the flavors cook together for 10-15 minutes. This is the step that not only brings the sauce flavors together, it also ensures that there’s no overt taste of alcohol in the finished dish.

Add some Parmesan cheese and if you’re feeling fancy, some chopped parsley or basil, and you’re ready to dig into to this simple, but filling meal. Serve these Butter Beans alla Vodka with some pasta or bread and let this easy dish fill your dinner with flavor.