Penne with Spicy Vodka Sauce
Slightly spicy, tomato-y, creamy pasta dish that comes together quickly! Serve with a side salad and some crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp butter divided
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 shallot chopped fine
- 1/2-3/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 cup tomato paste (or one tube)
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 3/4 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 pound penne
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- 1/2 cup pasta water from the pot the pasta was cooking in
- kosher salt and pepper
Instructions
- Add olive oil and 2 Tbsp butter to a large skillet over medium heat. When butter is melted, add the shallot, garlic, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the shallots begin to caramelize. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low and add the tomato paste. Stir until combined and cook about 5 minutes. Stir in the vodka and cook a couple more minutes then add the pesto and the heavy cream. Keep warm over low heat.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook according to the package directions. When pasta is done, do not drain; scoop out the pasta with a slotted spoon and put directly into the sauce in the skillet. Add the remaining 2 Tbsp butter along with the parmesan to the skillet and combine, adding up to 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- To serve, spoon into bowls and sprinkle with parmesan and some freshly ground black pepper. Enjoy!