Spaghetti With Mussels In Tomato And Vodka Sauce

A fun way to enjoy pasta and mussels, this spaghetti recipe comes together quickly and packs a punch. Perhaps add a dash of remaining vodka to a martini glass, and you're all set!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• pinch of red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 1/2 cups (1 pint) grape tomatoes, sliced in half
• 1/4 cup vodka
• 2 1/2 lbs mussels, scrubbed and debearded
• 1 1/4 cups spaghetti
• Chopped fresh parsley - garnish

Directions

1. Bring large pot of salted water to boil.
2. In a separate dutch oven or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, cook 30 seconds. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute while stirring. Add tomatoes and vodka and simmer for 3 minutes, add a splash of water to loosen as needed.
3. Add mussels, cover and cook until mussels open, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Once water is boiled, cook spaghetti according to package instructions to al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain pasta.
5. Add pasta to the pot with mussels and cooking water, by spoonful, to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir well and serve.
6. Sprinkle with parsley to garnish.

Servings: 4 people

Recipe shared with us by member Cynthia L. during our 'Recipe Contest" in January - thank you Cynthia!