Easy Penne alla Vodka

Ingredients

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ cup yellow onion finely chopped
3 garlic cloves minced
3 tablespoons tomato paste
¼ cup
12 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
½ teaspoon fine sea salt plus more for the pasta water
¾ cup heavy cream
½ cup Parmesan cheese plus more to serve
1 pounds penne pasta
½ cup pasta cooking water or as needed
Fresh parsley or basil leaves torn or chopped to garnish

Directions

Cook the pasta following the packing instructions.

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.

Add tomato paste and Vodka and stir for 2 minutes until most of the vodka evaporates.

Add tomatoes, salt, and red pepper flakes. Simmer the sauce partially covered over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir whipping cream into the sauce, add shredded cheese, and return to a simmer.

Add cooked pasta directly from the cooking water, adding a bit at a time to make it saucier.

Season with salt and then serve garnished with more cheese and fresh parsley.