Penne alla Vodka

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne 1 minute shy of the package time; save 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

2. 2

   While it cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the finely chopped onion for 5 minutes until soft, then add the garlic and pepper flakes for 30 seconds.

3. 3

   Pour in the vodka and simmer 2 minutes until mostly cooked off, then stir in the crushed tomatoes and simmer 8 minutes.

4. 4

   Lower the heat, stir in the cream and parmesan, and season with salt.

5. 5

   Toss the penne in the sauce with splashes of pasta water until glossy, then top with torn basil. The alcohol cooks off, but you can swap the vodka for extra pasta water if you prefer.