Vodka sauce is a fierce competitor when exploring the different options for Italian cuisine. Boasting a rich and unique flavor profile and versatile nature, vodka sauce is a staple within Italian restaurants worldwide. Those that might eat Italian food frequently (because who doesn't?) have likely heard of vodka sauce also referred to as a "pink sauce." While many might think that these two sauces are synonymous, there are actually many differences to consider between pink sauce vs. vodka sauce. But what is pink sauce, and how does it vary from traditional vodka sauce?
In this article, Pirro's Sauce will explore how vodka sauce is made, what pink sauce is, some of the most popular ways to make a pink sauce, as well as how Pirro's vodka sauce can take your next meal to the next level.
What is Vodka Sauce?
Vodka sauce is a mouth-watering tomato-based sauce that features the use of heavy cream, living somewhere between an Alfredo sauce and tomato-based sauce. Vodka sauce recipes will vary, but the most common ingredients include tomatoes, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and a splash of vodka. No worries: this sauce won't be getting you buzzed anytime soon. A splash of vodka is added to the sauce to provide an extra tang, but as the vodka simmers with the caramelized tomatoes, the sauce becomes creamy, silky, and delicious.
Want to learn more about vodka sauce and what dishes can be created with this flavorful sauce? Read Pirro’s blog about vodka sauce today!
What is Pink Sauce?
Because vodka sauce uses heavy cream, many will refer to vodka sauce as pink sauce without a second thought. However, pink sauce is in a separate category as a popular variation of vodka sauce. Pink sauce gets its name from its color, and while some pink sauce recipes will use vodka sauce as a base and add more cream to taste, many pink sauce recipes will vary widely from vodka sauce dishes. The biggest difference is that pink sauces can be made without vodka in a variety of ways (that we will dive into below!) The vodka rendering process is the biggest distinction, but since the dishes look very similar, confusion between the two is common. But at the end of the day, if the sauce doesn't have that kick of vodka, it's technically a pink sauce.
Types of Pink Sauce
So now that we know what pink sauce is and what vodka sauce isn't, let's explore some different ways pink sauce can be prepared without vodka. Some of the most common pink sauce recipes among those that wish to keep alcohol out of their dish include:
Bechamel and Tomatoes
Bechamel sauce is a popular Italian sauce made from a white roux and milk, commonly referred to as a white sauce. Bechamel can be treated as a base for a creamy pink sauce by adding crushed tomatoes or tomato paste to the sauce.
Marinara and Alfredo
If you're looking to make a pink sauce in record time, simply combine marinara sauce with Alfredo sauce. This is an especially convenient recipe, as jarred marinara and Alfredo common pantry staples. Feel free to toy around with the desired ratio, but within minutes you can create a delicious pink sauce. Try Pirro's Marinara with an Alfredo of your choosing to upgrade your pink sauce game instantly!
Tomatoes and Heavy Cream
If you're looking to keep things simple and tasty in the kitchen, it's super easy to create a pink sauce using only tomatoes and heavy cream. Create a solid tomato-based sauce using pureed tomatoes and whatever herbs you prefer, add heavy cream to taste, and voila, you have made yourself a simple yet delicious pink sauce.
Use Pirro’s Vodka Sauce For Your Next Dinner!
When considering the differences between pink sauce vs. vodka sauce, it all comes down to what flavor profile you're looking to create. If you're shooting for a creamier dish, pink sauce is a delicious choice. However, if you want to taste the slow-simmering labor of love, vodka sauce is a classic option. Regardless of your preferences, both of these sauces are packed with delicious flavor and bound to bring a smile to your face right before you head for seconds.
Pirro's Sauce seeks to inspire connection in the kitchen, using deliciously authentic flavors that are bound to create cherished memories among loved ones. Our vodka sauce recipe has been passed down through three generations of the Pirro family, so you can trust that we provided authentic Italian flavors. Using only the freshest US-sourced ingredients, you'll instantly take the difference when choosing Pirro's Sauce. Explore Pirro's Vodka sauce and other Italian sauces today to learn more!
