Sunday Supper {Penne alla Vodka}

Penne alla vodka is one dish I always get when we go out to dinner.  I absolutely love it!  Last year I tried making it at home and it's turned in to a family favorite.  I make it when we have friends over, when friends have new babies and when we just crave it!

 

{Penne alla Vodka}

Kosher salt

12 oz. penne pasta

1 28 ounce can of plum tomatoes

1 T unsalted butter

2 shallots minced

1 clove garlic minced

1/2 cup vodka

2/3 cups heavy creme 

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Handful of torn basil leaves

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook as the label directs. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain the pasta. Empty the tomatoes into a bowl and crush with your hands.

 

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic  and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Remove from the heat and stir in the vodka, tomatoes and salt to taste. Return the skillet to medium heat and simmer, stirring often, until the alcohol cooks off, about 7 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream  and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. Stir in the parmesan and basil

Add the pasta to the sauce and toss to combine, adding some of the reserved cooking water to loosen, if needed. Season with salt. Serve topped with more parmesan and basil.

Xoxo