Penne a la Vodka

This is a classic Italian dish, but allow me to share my family's version. Fresh cheese, basil and a hint of vodka makes this meal go down as easily as the wine you're pairing with it. Make it tonight!

Ingredients

1/2 box Penne pasta, cooked and drained
6 Bacon strips, sliced into lardons
Red Pepper Flakes, to taste (optional)
2 Garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup Vodka
1/2 cup Cream (Heavy or Whipping cream)
1/2 24 oz. jar Tomato Sauce (I use Classico)
1 cup Grated Parmesan
Fresh Basil, chopped or chiffonade

Cook penne according to directions.

In a saucepan, cook bacon over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove all but 2 tablespoons rendered fat. Add the red pepper flakes and garlic, and saute one minute until fragrant.

Turn off the heat and add the vodka. Return heat to medium-high to cook for one minute. (Enough to burn off the alcohol - yes, this is safe for kids to enjoy, too!)

Add the cream and tomato sauce, and simmer (not boil!) a few minutes to marry the ingredients.

Add parmesan cheese, cooked penne pasta and toss to coat. Sprinkle additional parmesan cheese and fresh basil, and enjoy with those you love!

Yields 4 servings

Active Time ~30 minutes

Total Time ~ 30 minutes