Penne alla Vodka Vegetarian

🛒 Ingredients

• Penne pasta, dry 320 g · 1120 kcal
• Olive oil 30 g · 265 kcal
• Shallot 100 g · 40 kcal
• Garlic cloves 15 g · 22 kcal
• Crushed tomatoes, canned 400 g · 100 kcal
• Vodka 60 g · 140 kcal
• Heavy cream 120 g · 400 kcal
• Red pepper flakes 2 g · 6 kcal
• Parmesan cheese, grated 30 g · 120 kcal
• Fresh basil, chopped 8 g · 2 kcal

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente; reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then sauté finely chopped shallot until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, cooking for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Pour in the vodka and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the alcohol to cook off, then stir in the crushed tomatoes.
5. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Reduce heat to low, then slowly stir in the heavy cream and half of the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined and the sauce turns a light orange color.
7. Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly; if the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and remaining Parmesan cheese.