Penne ala Vodka


Ingredients


  • 1 14oz crushed or diced tomatoes
  • 2c cherry or grape tomatoes
  • 2T olive oil
  • 1/2 small onion, diced finely
  • 1T tomato paste
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 bulb garlic, with bottom sliced off
  • 2 red thai chilies, minced
  • 1/3c vodka
  • 1/2c whipping cream
  • 1 lb penne
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • freshly grated parmesan
  • 1/4c freshly chopped basil

Optional

  • 4T pine nuts or other nuts
  • 1T margarine
  • salt
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder

Instructions

  1. Drizzle garlic bulb with olive oil, sprinkle with freshly ground salt and pepper, wrap in foil and roast at 400 for about 45 minutes, or until dinner is ready.
  2. Puree canned tomatoes and add water to get 2 cups.
  3. Toss cherry tomatoes with some olive oil and freshly ground salt and pepper.
  4. If topping with nuts: Heat frying pan on medium and melt margarine. Add nuts and seasonings, and toss until browned. Remove from pan.
  5. Heat oil in pan. When it's warm, add onions and tomato paste and cook until onions are golden, about 3 minutes. Add crushed garlic and red chilies and stir constantly for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
  6. Add tomatoes and 1/2t salt and mix well.
  7. Put water on to boil and begin to cook penne.
  8. Add vodka to sauce, turn to medium-high until bubbling, and then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until alcohol is burned off.
  9. Meanwhile, place cherry tomatoes on a sheet and broil for 3-4 minutes, or until bubbly and browning.
  10. Add cream to sauce, mix well, and cook until hot, about 2 minutes.
  11. Return cooked and drained pasta to pot, add sauce to pasta and toss well. Stir in basil, roasted tomatoes and roasted garlic, and allow pasta to sit 1-2 minutes to absorb sauce.
  12. Dish out and top with parmesan, pine nuts, and freshly ground black pepper.