Creamy and flavorful Penne a la Vodka

Indulge in this classic Italian-American dish of Penne a la Vodka. This recipe combines perfectly cooked penne pasta with a rich and creamy tomato vodka sauce. The addition of vodka elevates the flavors and gives the sauce a unique and sophisticated taste. This is a perfect dish for any occasion and can be enjoyed by the whole family. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a restaurant-quality pasta dish right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• Penne pasta - 1 pound
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Butter - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1, finely chopped
• Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
• Crushed red pepper flakes - 1/2 teaspoon
• Tomato paste - 1/4 cup
• Vodka - 1/2 cup
• Tomato sauce - 2 cups
• Heavy cream - 1 cup
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Parmesan cheese - for serving
• Fresh basil - for garnish

Directions

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
5. Pour in the vodka and cook until the liquid has reduced by half.
6. Add the tomato sauce to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine.
8. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
9. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until it is fully coated with the creamy tomato vodka sauce.
10. Serve the Penne a la Vodka hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves.

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