How To Thicken Vodka Sauce ⋆ 8 Of The Best Techniques! ⋆

Have you noticed that your Vodka sauce is diluted or watery? Well, thankfully, there is no need to toss it out; this is a sauce that can be easily fixed with the right approach and ingredients. Here are all of the options available to you and how to pull them off!

So, how do you thicken a vodka sauce? Simply simmering your vodka sauce over low to medium heat is the easiest way to thicken it. You can also use a thickening agent from your kitchen like cream, cheese, tomato paste, flour (roux or kneaded butter), or starches like corn starch, tapioca starch, or potato starch. Pureed vegetables can even work well.

Despite our best efforts, we occasionally end up with a thin and unsatisfying vodka sauce.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

That being said, the thickening method you choose will be determined by the amount of time you have, the ingredients in your pantry, and your own preferences.

Or, you could even utilize one or a combination of these methods.

But here is something that is important to know and understand from the outset.

Vodka sauce is not your usual pink sauce. So, let’s understand the science of how vodka helps in this sauce.

Adding vodka to your sauce performs two distinct functions: it enhances the flavor, and moreover, it has the ability to act as an emulsifier.

For the latter, the Alcohol essentially blends water and fat until they are in perfect harmony, thereby stabilizing your sauce.

So, remember this. It’s going to be important to ensure your sauce is rich, flavorful, and has the right consistency. 

If you are interested in learning more about these methods and how to implement them, then be sure to read on.

But first, let’s find out why the vodka sauce is so thin and watery, to begin with.

That way, I can ensure it doesn’t happen again in the future!

Why Is My Vodka Sauce Thin?

Vodka sauce can be watery because too much liquid was added, such as vodka itself or even broth. Or, it may not have been reduced (simmered) long enough. An incorrect cooking technique or cooking with the lid on are other common reasons, as is using fresh tomatoes with higher water content.

It is critical to use good quality, firm tomatoes in this recipe. 

However, if you think fresh tomatoes aren’t up to par, use canned tomatoes instead.

When using canned tomatoes, keep in mind that they contain a lot of liquid in the can. 

As the tomatoes cook, they release more liquid, making your sauce watery.

You must pay close attention to the cooking time and temperature when making your vodka sauce.

It must be brought to a boil and then simmered until it reaches the desired consistency.

If you use a roux to thicken, don’t let it get dark brown because it loses some of its thickening power, resulting in a thin sauce.

How Thick Does A Vodka Sauce Be?

An excellent vodka sauce is relatively thick and creamier, and it doesn’t run all over the plate.

Vodka sauce should be rich, vibrant, and flavorful!

It should have a profound tomato flavor and a luscious and silky texture that is intensely creamy.

In fact, it should coat your pasta, vegetables or meat, or any other food and stick to it nicely.

However, it can also be made super-creamy and even thicker, depending on your preferences. 

So, how will you know whether your vodka sauce is thick enough? 

There’s a simple test – just get hold of a spoon to check the thickness.

When you dip the spoon into the sauce and lift it out, the sauce should coat the back of the spoon beautifully.

It should definitely not be soup or stew-like – that’s the degree of consistency you should look for.

What Can You Use To Thicken Vodka Sauce?

If your vodka sauce is too thin, you can thicken it in two ways: first, by reducing the amount of liquid in the sauce by boiling it off, and second, by adding a thickening agent.

The first method requires no additional tools or ingredients, and the sauce thickens naturally because of heat and time.

For the second, you have the option to use many different ingredients that can aid in thickening your sauce – cream, cheese, tomato paste, roux, beurre manié, starch (corn flour, tapioca starch, potato starch, arrowroot, etc.), and pureed vegetables.

With so many approaches to thicken your sauce, you don’t have to serve a mediocre sauce.

With a little patience, you’re bound to find a method that suits you well.

How To Thicken Vodka Sauce – All Of The Options

For concentrating your vodka sauce, I bring you a few thickening choices. 

Each method has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, but you’ll be able to choose the one that best suits your requirements.

Thickening By Reducing 

Cooking the sauce for longer periods of time is the simplest technique to thicken it naturally.

Heat and time are crucial to thickening your sauce. Leaving the sauce undisturbed for a few minutes gives good results.

Simmering for a few minutes over low heat with constant stirring will help you obtain the desired consistency.

You must give it a good stir after adding the vodka.

If you’re in a hurry, I won’t use this method because it takes a long time to simmer.

The amount of time depends upon the quantity of the sauce and how thick you want it.

Using a larger/ wider pan will fasten the thickening process due to rapid evaporation.

Thickening agents are frequently used in conjunction with this technique.

Thickening with Cream

Since the cream is an integral of the recipe, adding more cream to your sauce will only help thicken it.

You can use heavy cream, half and half, depending on the availability in the kitchen and the consistency you require.

Sour cream should not be used since boiling it causes the sauce to become grainy.

However, after adding the cream, never allow the sauce to come to a boil. The sauce will break if it’s overcooked.

Thickening With Cheese

Parmesan cheese is most often used to thicken the vodka sauce. It not only makes it creamy but also gives a boost to the flavor.

Buy a block of parmesan and grate it yourself, or look for a high-quality grated or shaved parmesan.

If you prefer a creamier sauce, cream cheese or ricotta melt perfectly in the heat, thereby thickening your sauce.

Again, it is very important to cook it at low heat for it to keep its texture intact. 

Bringing the sauce to a boil can break the sauce and ruin it.

Thickening With Tomato Paste

Because the base of the vodka sauce is tomato, you may easily thicken it by adding more tomato paste.

The addition of thick tomato paste to your sauce increases the number of tomato solids in the sauce without adding extra liquid, thereby thickening it.

Adding a little extra paste won’t substantially change the flavor of the sauce, but it will thicken it.

It won’t take long for the tomato paste to thicken if you add it at the start of the cooking process.

Thickening With Roux

A roux is a thickening agent that can be used to thicken several sauces, including vodka sauce.

It’s made of flour and butter in equal parts.

In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter until it begins to boil.

Whisk in the flour for 1 to 2 minutes, or until it turns light brown and gives a ‘nutty aroma.’

Remember to cook your roux for a shorter period; this will give a thicker sauce.

Begin adding the roux to the sauce in small increments, constantly stirring, until the appropriate consistency is obtained.

Thickening With Beurre Manié

Beurre manié is kneaded butter and works like roux for thickening your vodka sauce.

In a small bowl, combine equal parts of flour and softened butter with a fork.

This will result in a smooth paste. Make small balls of this paste with your hands.

The balls are then added one at a time into the sauce, which is constantly stirred.

When the sauce is left simmering for an extended period, it will thicken.

Remove it from the heat once you are happy with the consistency.

Thickening With Starch

Thickening vodka sauce using starch is a fantastic way to get a high-quality thickened sauce.

Use any starch you have on hand, such as cornstarch, potato starch, tapioca starch, or arrowroot powder.

Combine a little amount of cornstarch and an equal amount of cold water until a slurry is formed. 

While whisking continuously, slowly pour the slurry into the cooking sauce. 

Make sure to add the slurry in small increments and do not dump everything at one go.

Allow the sauce to simmer, occasionally whisking, until it achieves the consistency you prefer.

Just before the cooking process is about to finish, add the slurry and bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer to allow the starch to swell and absorb the excess liquid.

Because starches tend to mask the flavor of the sauce, taste test at the end to adjust the salt and seasonings.

Thickening With Pureed vegetables

Vodka sauce can be thickened by adding boiled and pureed veggies.

Neutral-tasting vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, squash, etc., work well for incorporation.

Over low heat, quickly mix the puree with the rest of the sauce and cook till the desired consistency is reached.

Other Suggestions To Avoid A Watery Vodka Sauce

If, after experimenting with a few methods, you still find your sauce to be on the runnier side, you can play around with the cooking temperatures, time, or ingredients.

You might also want to try some of the additional suggestions recommended below to find a solution that best meets your needs.

Puree The Sauce

You should try pureeing a portion of the sauce first and then reincorporating it back and simmering it again.

This is helpful if you prefer a smoother, thicker texture.

Let It Cool

Once you’ve reached your preferred consistency, remove the sauce from the heat and leave it aside to cool. Cooling your sauce will thicken it even more.

To accelerate the process, place the sauce in the refrigerator for a few minutes.

Adding Pasta Water

Instead of chicken broth or water, use pasta water, which contains starch and will help thicken your sauce. This also provides a nice gloss to your sauce.

This is easy if you are already planning to make pasta.

Follow The Recipe

It’s crucial to follow the recipe and directions while thickening your vodka sauce; otherwise, you risk overcooking it or failing to attain the desired thickness.

Patience And Practice

Do not become anxious. It will take some time for the sauce to thicken, especially if it must be reduced. 

And as you keep practicing, your timing and technique will improve.

Lastly 

Making your own vodka sauce is quite satisfying because it is comforting and tasty, and you can control what goes in.

The trouble is, that getting the right consistency can be problematic.

While a jarred sauced is simple and quick, it might also occasionally be watery.

Depending on the time and availability of ingredients, any of the above methods can readily fix a thin homemade or jarred sauce.

Now that you know how to thicken your sauce like a Pro! And you’ll never have to throw that runny sauce again.

And every time, you’ll have a luscious sauce that clings to your pasta, meat, or vegetables wonderfully!

Want to learn how to thicken any type of sauce? Then check out my definitive guide:

• How To Thicken Sauce