Penne Vodka
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil,
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 shallots, minced
1 cup vodka
1 cup chicken stock
1 can crushed tomatoes (32 ounces)
Coarse salt and pepper
16 ounces pasta, such as penne rigate
1/2 cup heavy cream
20 leaves fresh basil, shredded or torn
This recipe will make enough for 2 couples. If you plan a romantic
evening where more than two's a crowd, reserve half the sauce to
freeze for another supper before the addition of basil, and only
cook 1/2 to 2/3 pound of penne.
Heat a large skillet over moderate heat. Add oil, butter, garlic,
and shallots. Gently saute shallots for 3 to 5 minutes to develop
their sweetness. Add vodka to the pan, 3 turns around the pan in a
steady stream will equal about 1 cup. Reduce vodka by half, this
will take 2 or 3 minutes. Add chicken stock, tomatoes. Bring sauce
to a bubble and reduce heat to simmer. Season with salt and pepper.
While sauce simmers, cook pasta in salted boiling water until cooked
to al dente (with a bite to it). While pasta cooks, prepare your
salad or other side dishes.
Stir cream into sauce. When sauce returns to a bubble, remove it
from heat. Drain pasta. Toss hot pasta with sauce and basil leaves.
Pass pasta with crusty bread.
Serves: 6
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