Meet Pasta alla Tequila: The 5-Ingredient Dinner That’s Better Than Penne alla Vodka

It doesn’t matter what day, month, or year it is, it’s always a good time for a bowl of pasta. And as much as we love our usuals, like spicy rigatoni, fettuccine Alfredo, and, of course, penne alla vodka, we’re always willing to broaden our pasta horizons.

Sometimes, a simple one-ingredient swap can change an entire dish for the better. We’ve seen it happen in using Boursin instead of milk in tomato soup, using mayo instead of traditional oil when making boxed brownie mix, and now adding tequila to your pasta sauce in place of vodka. Move over vodka pasta, there’s a new boozy pasta in town: pasta alla tequila.

We get it, you’re probably skeptical, but Rao’s Homemade is so serious about the combo that it partnered with Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila to show customers how great the dish can be. 

Why We Love Pasta alla Tequila

Just like vodka, not all tequilas are created the same, and they all have unique flavors. However, tequila—specifically, 818 Tequila—has citrus and sweet agave notes that differ from the spiced, sometimes bitter flavors that vodka can have. 

When mixed with Rao’s Homemade tomatoes, those bright, semi-sweet notes of tequila create a unique flavor that you might not get from vodka sauce.

“Our 818 Tequila Blanco has bright and citrusy notes from agave, and plays well with the slow-simmered Italian tomatoes that Rao’s Homemade uses in their marinara sauce. It’s an unexpected combination that ends up being beautifully tasty, and we thought this partnership was the perfect opportunity to continue to demonstrate tequila’s versatility,” said David Yan Gonzalez, the Director of Tequila Operations at 818 Tequila.

“You really have to taste it to believe it,” said Paula Meissner, the Group General Manager at Sovos Brands. 

Rao's Homemade x 818 Tequila Kit

That’s why Rao’s Homemade and 818 Tequila are teaming up to release a Pasta alla Tequila Kit so you can try it yourself. The kit features 818 Tequila Blanco, Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce, 818-shaped pasta, a custom dish towel, and a recipe card for the five-ingredient dish. The kit launches on 818 Tequila’s website on Feb. 13 and will be sold for $50 while supplies last.

Sadly, we won’t all be able to get our hands on one of these limited-edition kits, but no need to fret. We have the Kendall (and Kylie) Jenner-approved pasta alla tequila recipe, so you can make it at home. 

“The recipe turned out delicious and you can really recognize the citrus and agave notes of the 818 Blanco in the final dish. I can’t wait for people to try this recipe for themselves,” said Jenner.

How To Make Pasta alla Tequila

Ingredients:

• 1 24-ounce jar Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce
• ½ cup 818 Tequila Blanco 
• 1 pound dry pasta
• ⅔ cup heavy cream
• ⅔ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions, or to taste. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, bring marinara sauce and tequila to a boil. Boil for 1-2 minutes. Lower heat to simmer; add heavy cream and red pepper flakes, if desired. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. Add Parmesan cheese and stir to combine.
3. Serve over pasta. Top with additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

This recipe was provided by Rao's Homemade.