Penne Alla Vodka

Ingredients

• 4 quarts water
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 pound penne
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onions
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 1/3 cup vodka (plus 1 tablespoon )
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons sliced basil (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the Pasta – In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Stir in 1 tablespoon salt until dissolved. Cook the pasta, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 10 minutes. Reserve the cooking water and transfer the pasta to a colander to drain. As the pasta cooks, make the sauce.

2. 2

   Cook the Alliums – In a large pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the onions and saute until translucent, about 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the garlic and red chili flakes, cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

3. 3

   Add the Vodka – Add ⅓ cup of vodka, stir, and cook until the liquid mostly evaporates, about 2 minutes.

4. 4

   Simmer the Sauce – Add the tomato paste, stir, and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Gently simmer until the sauce is thickened, about 2 minutes. Slowly stir in ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Optionally, for a stronger vodka flavor, stir in 1 tablespoon more vodka and cook for 1 minute.

5. 5

   Combine the Pasta and Sauce – Add the drained pasta to the vodka sauce and stir to coat. Add more pasta water, up to a ½ cup, to adjust the consistency. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

6. 6

   To Serve – Serve the dish garnished with parmesan cheese and basil.