Spicy Vodka Penne
May 3rd, 2021
This feel-good recipe is heavily influenced by the popular menu item at Jon and Vinny’s, Los Angeles. I switch back and forth between using fusilli and penne pasta , which both work well to hang on to the rich sauce, it just depends on what I have on hand. I make this for Chris and I when a pasta craving hits and serve it with a healthy side of broccolini.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Penne or Fusili pasta
- 1/4 cup EVOO
- 6 oz can of tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 shallot, minced
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 2 1/2 tbsp vodka
- 1/4 cup basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the pasta to al dente, according to package directions. Set aside 1 cup of pasta water.
- Heat a large pan on medium heat. Add EVOO and sauté garlic and shallots. Add tomato paste, stir, and heat until paste is caramelizing and turns a dark red. Stir in vodka and cook until liquid evaporates and the strong alcohol smell burns off.
- Turn heat to medium-low and add butter, cream, chili flakes, and pasta water. Cook while stirring until mixture forms a thick and glossy sauce. If sauce is too thick, add more pasta water to loosen it up. Salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and stir in cooked pasta, parmesan, basil, and parsley.
- Serve topped with a sprinkle of parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper.
With love,
Ashley Jo
