Penne Alla Vodka

• servings: 4 servings
• active time: 10 minutes
• total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

3 tbsp. unsalted butter

1 shallot, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1/2 c. tomato paste

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

2 tbsp. vodka

Kosher salt

1 lb. tubed pasta, such as penne or rigatoni

1/2 c. heavy cream

1/2 c. finely grated Parmesan, divided, plus more for serving

Fresh basil leaves, for serving

Directions

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add shallot and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, 4 to 5 minutes.

Add tomato paste and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring frequently, until paste has coated shallots and garlic and is beginning to darken, about 5 minutes.

Add vodka and stir to incorporate, scraping up any browned bits from bottom of pot. Remove from heat.

Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta, stirring occasionally, until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 2 c. pasta water.

Return sauce to medium heat and add cream and 1/4 c. pasta water, stirring to combine. Add half of Parmesan and stir until melted. Remove from heat and stir in cooked pasta. Fold in remaining Parmesan, adding more pasta water (about 1 Tbsp. at a time) if the sauce is looking dry; season with salt, if needed.

Divide pasta among bowls. Top with Parmesan and basil.

Nutrition

• Calories: 727
• Total Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 69 mg
• Sodium: 532 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 90 g
• Dietary Fiber: 6 g
• Total Sugars: 9 g
• Protein: 24 g