Sun-dried Tomato Penne alla Vodka

Difficulty Level: Easy

Total Time: 30 minutes

Serving Size: 2-4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb. penne

• 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

• 1/2 shallot, finely chopped

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

• 4 oz. tomato paste

• 1/2 tsp. salt

• 1/4 cup vodka

• 3/4 cup heavy cream

• 1/3 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, grated

• Fresh basil, torn

• Pasta water as needed

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat and sauté the chopped shallot until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.

3. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for a further 1-2 minutes until the sun-dried tomatoes soften.

4. Add the tomato paste and salt to the pan. Stir and let sit on medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes until the tomato paste deepens in color.

5. Add 1/4 cup of vodka to deglaze the pan.

6. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream. Add more salt to taste.

7. Once the water is boiling, add plenty of salt. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.

8. Strain the pasta and add it to the pan along with the vodka sauce and 1/4 cup of pasta water. Toss on medium heat until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.

9. Add the Parmigiano and toss again. Add more pasta water as needed, 1/4 cup at a time.

10. Plate and top with basil and Parmigiano.