Penne alla Vodka Sauce

Pasta

Here's a classic recipe for vodka sauce: If you want, you can modified the vodka sauce recipe with mostly tomato paste but still add a touch of crushed tomatoes for the perfect texture and flavor.

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Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

2–4 tablespoons of tomato paste (I like to go heavy on the tomato paste - a full 6oz can)

1 cup of crushed tomatoes (Optional: skip crushed tomatoes... you could go heavier on the tomato paste and just use some pasta water so it's not too thick)

1/2 cup vodka

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

1 pound pasta (penne or rigatoni works well)

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce Base:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Add Tomatoes and Vodka:

Add tomato paste - stir well

Pour in the crushed tomatoes (or pasta water) and stir well.

Add the vodka and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to meld.

Incorporate Cream and Cheese:

Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.

Season and Serve:

Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.