Can You Freeze Vodka Sauce? (The Right Way)

Are you a pasta fan like me? If yes, then you must know the struggle of making or buying vodka sauce for your pasta.

But, one can’t simply ignore this fantastic sauce, right? Because it is what makes the pasta super unique and delicious. A good sauce is what makes or breaks your pasta.

Everyone has preferences for sauces when it comes to pasta, but I particularly enjoy adding a lot of vodka sauce to my recipes.

However, I absolutely loathe making it because it requires too darn much work. And I don’t have enough energy after a whole day of work to prepare the sauce and then cook pasta. But, what can be the alternative?

Well, the alternative to making a fresh batch of sauce every time for pasta is to create a bigger batch once in a while a freeze it.

Frozen vodka sauce is my only salvation at the end of a long day when I am craving my favorite pasta and know that the sauce is already ready. This means half of the work is already done! Phew! Thank God!!

So, if this idea of freezing vodka sauce seemed like a good idea to you, then you should know everything about freezing, defrosting and using it. And this is precisely what my guide is about. So, let’s get started.

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Can You Freeze Vodka Sauce?

Yes, yes, yes, you can freeze vodka sauce whenever you want. The best idea is to make a big batch of the sauce when you have an ample amount of time at your hand. Then, you can freeze it in bags or a jar. It is one of those items that freeze wonderfully.

vodka sauce shrimp ravioli — Shrimp Ravioli In Vodka Sauce

The only issue you might face is a bit of difference in the consistency of the sauce when you defrost it. But, other than that, the sauce will taste the same.

So, whether you have accidentally made an enormous batch of vodka sauce or did it intentionally to save yourself sometime later, the best option is to freeze it because keeping it in the fridge means a lesser life than the frozen sauce. It can last up to many months before the taste and texture spoil.

But how can you freeze it?

How To Freeze Vodka Sauce?

Freezing vodka sauce doesn’t require a lot of preparation or hard work; instead, it is a reasonably simple process to save the sauce for later use. But before you can freeze it, you need to do a few things. 

Once you prepare your vodka sauce, you need to leave it on the kitchen counter to entirely cool and let all the steam go; freezing hot vodka sauce can cause ice crystals to develop and alter its taste.

But, also don’t leave it out for long because the cream of milk used in it can go bad. So, keep an eye on your sauce. As soon as it gets to the room, it will be ready to be put in the freezer.

You can quickly freeze it in a container or freezer bag, whichever suits you. But, if you ask me, the freezer bags are a better option because they allow the sauce to expand correctly and also save you a lot of space if you neatly store them.

So, once your sauce is cool enough to freeze, all you need to do is pour it into a bag or container and leave some space at the top for expansion. Now, securely close and seal the pack and put it in the freezer after putting the freezing date on it.

Another way of freezing the sauce is to mix it with your leftover pasta and store it in a container which will save the sauce and also stop the pasta from drying.

Remember to freeze your sauce only after you freshly make it because it can go bad if you leave it in the fridge for a few days and then freeze it (doing so can alter its taste).

If you use this method for storage, your sauce can last from 3 to 6 months, but if you want it to taste just like a freshly made sauce, you should try and use it before 6 months.

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Pros and Cons of Freezing Vodka Sauce

You must be thinking about whether it is a good idea to freeze the sauce; that is why you should know what advantages or disadvantages freezing it holds.

Pros:

The best thing about freezing vodka sauce is that you can save a lot of time by making a huge batch once or twice a month whenever you have time and then using it for your convenience.
The frozen vodka sauce tastes and feels just like freshly made sauce, given that you use it before 6 months.
The sauce becomes richer with more viscosity in the freezer.

Cons: 

Freezing the sauce a bit hot can cause crystals in the sauce.
The texture and taste can get altered if not used within six months. 
You will have to make a big batch if you want to freeze.

Does Vodka Sauce Freeze Well?

Vodka sauce freezes really well because of its water-based content. If you seal it in an airtight container or bag, it will freeze in the same creamy way you want it to be without any crystals. 

You should freeze the vodka sauce that you have freshly made. Only then will it yield good results after it thaws because keeping the sauce in the refrigerator for some days and then freezing it can make the sauce go bad as it is made with cream or milk.

If you follow all the steps correctly, then your vodka sauce will freeze and preserve perfectly well.

How Long Will Froze Sauce Last In The Freezer?

Vodka sauce can last up to six months if frozen properly. But that doesn’t mean you should wait till the sixth month to use it.

Instead, using your sauce in the first 3-4 months is a good idea because that is when the sauce is in its best shape and taste.

As time passes, the texture and taste start to change, and the sauce you love so much won’t be the same that you froze.

So, try to use the sauce the sauce before six months to get the best taste out of it.

How To Thaw Frozen Vodka Sauce?

Thawing frozen vodka sauce is as easy as freezing it. There are a few ways you can use to thaw your sauce. So let’s take a look at them.

In fridge:

Defrosting the sauce in the fridge is the easiest and safest method. All you have to do is take out a pack of your frozen vodka sauce and then put it in the refrigerator after putting it in a bowl or plate to stop it from dripping water.

The fridge will keep the milk or cream in the sauce from going bad as the sauce defrosts. Once the sauce defrosts, ensure that you boil it once to keep it from spoiling.

Defrosting it in the fridge takes longer, but it is safe.

In microwave: 

A microwave is a good option if you are in a hurry. Just remove your sauce, pop it in a microwave-safe container or bowl, and put it in the oven to defrost. It will only take a few minutes to defrost it, and you won’t have to boil it separately.

However, while the sauce is heating, you should continuously stir it to stop the oil from separating from the sauce. Once your sauce thaws, you can immediately use it or let it cool first.

On counter:

If you are not in urgent need of the sauce and have forgotten to put it in the fridge, then you can simply put it on your kitchen counter.

Take your sauce pack, put it on a plate and then leave it on the counter to let it thaw. Once it thaws, boil it.

How do you defrost your vodka sauce?

You can deflect your vodka sauce by putting it in the fridge, leaving it on the kitchen counter to defrost, or if you are in a hurry, pop it in the oven to heat and defrost.  

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No matter your technique, you must give your sauce a quick boil to kill all its bacteria. And if you think your sauce is separating, don’t worry; take a whisk and mix it together.

How to Reheat Frozen Vodka Sauce?

The best way to reheat your delicious vodka sauce is by putting it in the oven to defrost because you don’t have to heat it separately after defrosting, as the oven does both things.

So, whichever way you choose to defrost your sauce, you will have to give it a boil while mixing it with a whisk to bring the sauce back to its fresh state.

Final Verdict

Now, it’s time to close our blog on a lovely note that you can make huge batches of vodka sauce and freeze them to enjoy for up to 3-6 months.

There won’t be any difference in taste or texture when you defrost it, so you don’t have to worry about that either.

However, one thing you need to remember is to freeze the sauce only after it reaches room temperature and not before it, as it can hurt the taste.

Good luck saving your time by freezing this amazing sauce!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you freeze vodka sauce with heavy cream?

Yes, you can easily freeze it with heavy cream because it is included in the recipe. Your sauce will not taste the same if you don’t put cream or milk in it. So, freeze it without any worries.

Can you freeze penne ala vodka sauce?

Yes, you can freeze penne ala vodka sauce. If you have completed the dish, you can freeze it as it is, or you can prepare both things separately and freeze them. Either way, you can freeze it without any issues in taste or texture.