Dirty Martini Pasta

Booze-infused pasta isn't a new phenomenon (lookin' at you, penne alla vodka), but this dirty martini-inspired pasta is in a category all on its own. Instead of cooking with just liquor, this dirty martini pasta incorporates the components of an entire cocktail. This pasta first went viral on TikTok when chef Emily Eggers shared her recipe for an olive brine and gin-spiked spaghetti. I haven’t been so excited about a TikTok recipe since the iconic baked feta pasta. So naturally, I ran to my kitchen to make my own version.

My rendition takes inspiration from a classic pasta al limone by using heavy cream as the base for the luscious and decadent sauce. And, just like a dirty martini, we supplement the dish with olives and brine (and booze, of course). The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes.

Even if you're not a dirty martini lover, you can still enjoy this pasta. Think of this recipe as an exercise in umami. The buttery, briny green olives work with the garlic and Parmesan to impart a savory richness. Meanwhile, the lemon offers a bright and fresh counterpart to balance out each bite.

Just like when you order a dirty martini, you can choose either gin or vodka here. The juniper-forward gin provides an herbaceous flavor to your finished dish. Vodka, on the other hand, is neutral in flavor and a great option if you want the martini vibes to be more subtle.

Did you make this recipe? Tell us all about it in the comments below!