Penne Alla Vodka

Makes approximately six (6) servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb GF penne* (I like Barilla or Jovial)

• 1 Cup heavy cream

• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

• 2½ Cups sliced shallots (about 5 large shallots)

• 4 cloves garlic, sliced or minced

• 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste

• ¼ to ½ tsp crushed red pepper

• ½ Cup vodka

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 Cup reserved pasta cooking water

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*If you aren’t medically required to follow a gluten free diet, you can substitute regular penne in place of the GF penne.

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Before draining, ladle 1 Cup of pasta water into a heatproof bowl and set aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the oil. Add shallots and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shallots are golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes.

3. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.

4. Add tomato paste and crushed red pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the tomato paste starts to darken, about 3-4 minutes.

5. Add vodka and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth, about 1 minute.

6. Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream. Then stir in reserved cooking water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

7. Add black pepper and additional salt to taste.

8. Add penne to the skillet and toss until the pasta is coated in the sauce.