Penne alla Vodka

Probably my first really successful pasta dish that really got me interested in cooking with out-of-the-box ingredients.  I was in high school and watching Oprah after school, Rachel Ray was her guest star and she was making her You Won't Be Single for Long Vodka Cream Pasta. I think I googled the recipe and made it that night and it was an instant hit.  Except my dad threw a fit over the fact I used his grey goose to cook pasta (which he doesn't eat).  So he bought me my own Heaven Hill just to cook with.  How many high schoolers are getting liquor to cook with instead of drink?  

This weekend is my best friend, Cate's, bachelorette party/camping weekend.  She request her favorite, vodka cream.  I hope everyone else enjoys it as much as Cate & I do!

What You'll Need:

1 box penne rigate pasta 

3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 

1 Tbsp butter

2 shallots, minced

2 tsp garlic, minced

1 cup vodka

1 cup chicken stock 

1 can (32oz) crushed tomatoes

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Fresh chopped basil

Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste

Salt

Pepper

1.  Add oil and butter to skillet over medium high heat.  When oil is hot add shallot and garlic, sauté for 3-5 minutes until garlic is getting fragrant and dark.  

2.  Add vodka and wait to reduce by half. Add chicken stock and tomatoes and simmer.

3.  Being water to boil (always add some salt), and cook penne about 7 minutes until al dente. Drain.

4.  Whisk in cream to tomato sauce and remove from heat.  Add basil, crushed pepper and any seasoning you'd like.  Toss with pasta.

ENJOY!