Penne Vodka Recipe

Penne Vodka

2 Tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pinch of hot pepper flakes
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 cup Vodka
1 28oz can of canned Tomato Sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to paste
1 Lb. uncooked Penne pasta

Preparation

In a non-stick pan over medium heat, sauté the onion in the olive oil for 5 to 6 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute, add the hot pepper flakes, oregano and stir to combine. Add the vodka and cook until reduced by half.

Add the crushed tomatoes and reduce the heat to low, cook partially uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring frequently until you have cooked down the sauce to what appears to be a wet paste. 

Meanwhile fill a large pot with water add in a generous sprinkle of salt and bring it to a boil.

After the 45 minutes season the sauce to taste and add the heavy cream. Turn the heat up to medium and let it cook uncovered for 8 to 9 minutes. This is the perfect time to add the pasta to the salted boiling water.

Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce, turn the heat off and add a few fresh basil leaves and the grated parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and serve right away.

Compliments of Laura Vitale