Mario Batalis Penne Alla Vodka Recipe 415

Steps:

• Cook the pasta according to package directions.
• Saute the garlic and onions in 2 tablespoons butter and the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat until soft. Pour in the vodka, being careful if your stove has an open flame (remove the pan from the heat before adding). Cook and reduce for 2 to 3 minutes, then pour in the tomato puree. Stir the mixture until it's thoroughly combined, then reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine, then turn heat to the lowest simmer possible. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and add salt and pepper to taste. Finally, stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Pour the drained pasta into the sauce and toss to combine. Sprinkle on the Parmesan, then sprinkle on more red pepper flakes if desired.

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne 1 minute short of the package instructions. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for sauce. In a large sauté pan, cook bacon over medium heat to render out fat. Cook for about 10 minutes until cooked but not too crispy. Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook until garlic is fragrant and tomato paste darkens. Stir in the vodka and cook for a few minutes to meld the flavors. Add cream and season with nutmeg and salt to taste. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water bit by bit until desired thickness is reached (you may not need the whole cup). Add cooked penne and toss to coat. Serve with a generous sprinkling of Parmigiano Reggiano.

Steps:

• Bring 6 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot, and add 1 tablespoons kosher salt.
• Meanwhile, put 4 tablespoons olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat, and then add the tomato paste and pepper flakes; reduce the heat to low and stir just until fragrant, about 4 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, and remove from the heat.
• Drop the pasta into the boiling water, and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
• Add the pasta and the reserved pasta water to the tomato sauce, stir and toss over medium heat until the pasta is well coated. Season with salt if necessary, then add the remaining oil, tossing well. Serve immediately, with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano on the side.