Penne alla vodka.....mmmm vodka

This is one of my very favorite recipes of all time. It's so quick and easy to throw together and is absolutely delicious. My mom gave me this recipe years ago. I've made it countless times over the years, mostly just eyeballing ingredient amounts. I've tried it using only crushed tomatoes and also using only diced tomatoes. I've added prosciutto and/or mushrooms at times. I've even substituted the heavy cream for fat-free half & half and once with light cream (moral of the story is that heavy cream is the only way to go). This recipe is the fruit of all my tinkering.

Penne alla Vodka

Ingredients:
1 28oz can crushed tomatoes
1 28oz can dices tomatoes, drained
1 large white onion, chopped
2 TBSP EVOO
2 TBSP butter
1 pint heavy cream
1/4 C vodka
1 tsp dried basil or a couple fresh basil leaves
Salt, to taste

Red Pepper flakes, to taste
1 lb cooked penne, al dente
Grated Parmesan, to taste as garnish

In a large sauté pan over medium heat, sauté chopped onion in the EVOO and butter until transparent. Add both cans of tomatoes and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add in the heavy cream and vodka, stir to combine and bring up to a low boil, then turn heat down to low. Season with salt, red pepper and basil, stir and let simmer for 10 minutes. Serve over penne with grated Parmesan. Buon appetito!

Love,

Michele