Homemade Rigatoni Alla Vodka feat. KitchenAid Pasta Press

As a lovely gift, I am now the proud owner of a KitchenAid Gourmet Pasta Press attachment!

I have had my eye on a pasta maker for quite some time now. But I will be honest in saying that I was not impressed by the classic pasta roller attachment. Rolling out the pasta dough after kneading and resting just sounded like a lot of work to do. Plus, there are so many more fun shapes of pasta than the flat twirling noodles made my classic pasta makers.

Rigatoni Alla Vodka with Salmon and Green Beans

So let me tell you about this fancy new gadget I have - the KitchenAid® Gourmet Pasta Press Attachment 🤩

The attachment itself comes with instructions and simple pasta recipes using eggs and flour. You simply mix in the KitchenAid with the paddle, knead with hands for a bit, and then let the dough rest. To make the noodle shapes, you form walnut sized balls of dough and feed them through the funnel. Then slice the noodles to the desired size. It was easier than I thought!

I was a little worried about cleaning the machine as well, but it comes with cleaning tools and can easily be taken apart.

The attachment comes with six different noodle shapes including - fresh spaghetti, small and large macaroni, bucatini (thick hollow tubes), fusilli (corkscrews) and rigatoni (short ribbed tubes).

Pasta Maker in Action

I must admit - I have actually only tried the rigatoni shape! But I have made about 10 lbs of pasta with it. It's not that I don't intend to try the other shapes, but the rigatoni just hits the spot.

So let me share this cute date night or special occasion pasta with you! I recommend taking the time to make and eat the pasta SAME DAY! The pasta itself is quick to cook. The process of making the dough could take 45 minutes to 1 hour to allow for resting and troubleshooting. Plus you can sauté some vegetables or prepare a protein while the dough is being prepped.

My recipe is adapted from Salt and Lavender's "The Best Penne alla Vodka Recipe". I suggest serving with some fresh green beans and a protein such as meatball or white fish. Do not skimp on the cream or garlic. They are essential!

Rigatoni with Salmon and Green Beans

I have not included the pasta recipe here because this vodka sauce recipe can be made with store-bought noodles. KitchenAid does have a really great webpage for tips and tricks in regard to making homemade noodles using their products. I have cooked the pasta fresh and also froze it to give as gifts to friends.

I hope you enjoy!

If you make it, share pictures with me showing me how you enjoyed it!

---

Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces uncooked pasta

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1/2 small onion ,chopped finely

• 1 clove garlic minced

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/4 cup vodka

• 1/4 cup tomato paste  

• 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• Freshly grated parmesan cheese 

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, melt the oil and butter over medium heat. Sauté the onion until softened .

2. Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning, and cook for 30 seconds.

3. Add the vodka, and let the sauce bubble for 30 seconds.

4. Stir in the tomato paste until you've got a smooth mixture.

5. Stir in the cream, and reduce heat to low. Let the sauce warm through. Sauce will thicken  in a couple of minutes. 

6. Season with salt & pepper as needed. 

7. Toss with cooked pasta and serve with parmesan cheese. 

   
   

I hope you enjoy!

If you make it, share pictures with me showing me how you enjoyed it!