Penne With Vodka

Prep: 20 min., Cook: 25 min.

Yield: Makes 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1  pound  uncooked penne or ziti pasta
• 2  tablespoons  butter or margarine
• 2  tablespoons  olive oil
• 1  medium onion, diced
• 3  garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2  teaspoon  dried crushed red pepper
• 1  cup  vodka*
• 1  (14 1/2-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
• 1  tablespoon  chopped fresh parsley
• 1  tablespoon  chopped fresh basil
• 1  cup  whipping cream
• 1/2  teaspoon  salt
• 3/4  cup  freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Cracked black pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. Melt butter with oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat; add onion and garlic, and sauté 5 minutes. Add red pepper. Remove from heat; stir in vodka. Return to heat; simmer 5 minutes.

3. Stir in tomatoes, parsley, and basil; simmer 5 minutes.

4. Stir in cream and salt; simmer, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Stir in pasta; cook 2 more minutes. Sprinkle with cheese and pepper, and toss. Serve immediately.

*Chicken broth may be substituted.