Lauren's Penne alla Vodka

• servings: 4
• active time: 20
• total time: 30

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 shallots, minced

1 cup vodka

1 cup chicken stock

1 (32 oz) can crushed tomatoes

Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

16 oz penne pasta

½ cup heavy cream

20 fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped

Directions

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and butter. Add the minced garlic and shallots. Sauté gently for 3–5 minutes until soft and fragrant.

Add the vodka to the skillet and simmer until reduced by half, about 4–5 minutes.

Stir in the chicken stock and crushed tomatoes. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

While the sauce simmers, cook the penne in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.

Stir the heavy cream into the sauce. Bring it back to a gentle bubble, then remove from heat.

Toss the hot, drained penne with the sauce in the skillet. Add the fresh basil leaves and gently mix until the pasta is evenly coated.

Serve immediately. Garnish with extra basil or grated Parmesan, if desired.

Notes

This is my mom's recipe :3