Penne ala Vodka

Hey there!  Hope you had a great Thanksgiving and that you were able to spend some time with your family.  Did you do any shopping?  I didn't want to brave the crowds, so the Toddler and I stayed home and relaxed.  I am hoping to catch some good Cyber Monday sales.

So my modem broke last week.  Did you even know that could happen?  I didn't either!  I had a bunch of fun tips and recipes lined up for you guys.  Since most of them dealt with turkey, they will have to wait until next year...

In the meantime, I will share this yummy pasta recipe with you.  My friend N makes this penne ala vodka, and hands down, it is my favorite!  And, it is super fast and easy.

Penne ala Vodka
From "The Italian American Cookbook" by J. Mariani and G. Mariani
Ingredients
3 T unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 C vodka
1/2 t red pepper flakes
1 28 oz can Italian style tomatoes, chopped or pureed with some of the tomato juices
salt and pepper
1 lb penne
1/2 C heavy cream

Instructions

• In a medium sized saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat.  Add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 7 mins.  Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 2 more mins.
• Add the vodka, red pepper flakes, tomatoes, salt and pepper to taste.  Stir and bring to boil.  Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-12 mins.  Meanwhile, boil water and cook penne. 
• Add the cream to the tomato sauce and simmer for 2 mins.  Drain penne and add it to a serving dish.  Add the tomato sauce and toss well. 

Serve with a salad, warm bread, and have some chocolate chip cookies for dessert!