Vodka Spaghetti - Jerica's Scratch Kitchen

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Water

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons of chicken bouillon to the boiling water for flavor.

Step 2: Cook Spaghetti

Once the water is boiling, add the entire box of spaghetti to the pot. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, or according to package directions. Do not overcook.

Step 3: Brown the Meats

While the spaghetti cooks, place the ground beef and mild Italian ground sausage in a separate large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 4: Add Bell Peppers and Seasonings

Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat. Add the chopped green bell peppers, fresh thyme, and all the listed seasonings (garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, Goya Adobo, Badia Complete Seasoning, Accent, Dash, Tony Chachere's, Slap Ya Mama) to the pot. Stir well to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes until the bell peppers soften slightly and the seasonings are fragrant.

Step 5: Incorporate Tomatoes

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes into the meat mixture. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Add Fresh Cilantro and More Seasoning

Stir in the fresh chopped cilantro. Add another sprinkle of the dry seasonings to enhance the flavor of the sauce. Continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Stir in Heavy Cream

Pour in the heavy whipping cream. Stir until the cream is fully incorporated into the sauce, creating a creamy, pinkish hue. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, but do not boil after adding the cream.

Step 8: Plate and Garnish

Drain the cooked spaghetti. Plate a generous portion of spaghetti onto a dish. Ladle the rich vodka meat sauce over the spaghetti. Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley.

Step 9: Serve

Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade vodka spaghetti!

• Do not use oil when boiling pasta, as it prevents the sauce from sticking to the noodles.

• Use a wooden spoon when cooking in non-stick pans to avoid scratching the surface.

• Substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.

• Use fresh chopped onions instead of onion powder if preferred.

• Experiment with different brands of crushed or diced tomatoes, or even a pre-made pasta sauce, to suit your taste.