Penne Alla Vodka

Need something to cook this weekend? The folks at Tito’s Vodka have a delicious recipe from Michael Roberts at Arkansas Foodies, for Penne alla Vodka. Anyone try Tito’s at Lollapalooza this year? Delicious!

Penne alla Tito’s Handmade Vodka

2 tablespoons butter
2 shallots, minced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
2 cans crushed tomatoes (15 oz. cans)
1/2 cup Tito’s Vodka
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan (plus extra for finishing)
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced into ribbons
Salt

Melt the butter in a skillet and cook the shallots until they are soft (but not browned). Add the garlic and red pepper; cook for a minute longer. If you’re cooking with gas (or are clumsy) you might want to remove your pan from the heat and add the vodka and your tomatoes, add salt. Cook for ten minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the cream and simmer until the sauce thickens (4-5 minutes). Stir in the Parmesan and the basil and adjust salt if needed. Toss with 16 ounces cooked penne and sprinkle a bit more Parmesan over the top. Serve.

The rich flavor of the cream and Parmesan along with the tang of the tomatoes and the bite of the pepper and vodka really make this dish something different. The prep time is minimal, and feel free to add sausage, bacon, chicken, or shrimp to the mix if you need some protein – but the sauce certainly stands on its own! Enjoy!

Recipe Courtesy/Photo Courtesy of: titosvodka.com