Penne with Vodka Sauce

Penne with Vodka Sauce

Looking for an easy romantic dinner?  If yes, just add salad, bread, red wine and Italian music!

Ingredients:

Kosher salt
Penne pasta (12-ounce)
1 (28-ounce) can whole plum tomatoes
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 shallots, minced
2 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup  vodka
2/3 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
Handful of fresh basil leaves, torn, plus more for topping

Directions:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook as the label directs. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain the pasta. Empty the tomatoes into a bowl and crush with your hands.

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, about three minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Remove from the heat and stir in the vodka, tomatoes and salt to taste. Return the skillet to medium heat and simmer, stirring often, until the alcohol cooks off, about seven minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about three minutes. Stir in the Parmesan and basil.

Add the pasta to the sauce and toss to combine, adding some of the reserved cooking water to loosen, if needed. Season with salt. Serve topped with more Parmesan and basil.

Serve with salad and bread.

4 servings