Pasta with Vodka Sauce

I'm in love with homemade pasta sauces specially simple ones with lots of flavor. This one is so similar to this pasta with tomato cream sauce recipe so if you've tried that one, you're guaranteed to love this one. It's heavenly. I think it will become a huge staple in our house and just thinking about it right now makes my mouth water, yum!


Pasta with Vodka Sauce

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 cup Vodka
• 28oz can of crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, silvered, plus additional for serving
• 1lb penne pasta
• 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated, plus additional for serving
• red pepper flakes, generous pinch

Directions

1. Cook pasta in well salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of cooking water, drain pasta and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and continue cooking until fragrant, about a minute more. 
3. Stir in tomatoes and their juices. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium and stir in the tomato paste and vodka. Cook until most of the alcohol has evaporated, at least 5 minutes. 
4. Stir in cream, red pepper flakes and salt. Bring to a a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low.
5. Cook sauce until thickened, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. 
6. Stir in basil and cheese.
7. Add pasta to skillet and toss to coat, adding pasta water as needed to thin the sauce.
8. Serve topped with additional basil and Parmigiano-Reggiano.