Vodka Pasta

Ingredients

• ·12 oz penne or rigatoni
• ·2 tbsp olive oil
• ·1 small onion, finely diced
• ·4 cloves garlic, minced
• ·¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• ·½ cup tomato paste
• ·¼ cup vodka
• ·¾ cup heavy cream
• ·½ cup reserved pasta water
• ·½ cup grated parmesan, plus more for serving
• ·½ tsp salt, or to taste
• ·½ tsp black pepper
• ·Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta 1 minute less than the package directions and reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

2. 2

   Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, until soft and translucent.

3. 3

   Add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

4. 4

   Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 3–4 minutes, until it darkens slightly and smells sweet.

5. 5

   Pour in the vodka and simmer for 2–3 minutes to cook off the alcohol.

6. 6

   Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2 minutes until smooth.

7. 7

   Add the drained pasta and reserved pasta water to the sauce. Toss well until every piece is coated.

8. 8

   Turn off the heat and stir in the parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Serve topped with fresh basil and more parmesan.