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penne alla vodka greatest tomatoes from europe spoonful

Penne alla Vodka

5 from 2 votes
A fragrant and flavorful classic Italian recipe using The Greatest Tomatoes from Europe. Serve as side dish or main course.
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Servings: 8
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 16 ounces Penne Pasta
  • 1 tbsp Kosher Salt
  • 8 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil extra virgin
  • 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes crushed
  • 1 tsp Dried basil
  • 1/4 cup Vodka
  • 1/3 cup Heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp Butter unsalted
  • 3/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano grated
  • 32 ounces Greatest Tomatoes from Europe canned peeled, whole tomatoes

Method
 

  1. Bring stock pot with 6 quarts of salted water to a boil. Add pasta to boiling water. Cook till al dente about 8-10 minutes. Drain once pasta is cooked.
  2. Open canned tomatoes and carefully pour into food processor. Pulse juice and tomatoes till pureed.
  3. In a separate pot or Dutch Oven, add olive oil and heat on low heat. Mince garlic cloves. Add to warmed olive oil. Saute till garlic is brown. About 2-3 minutes. Stir frequently. Don't let the garlic get too dark as it will burn quickly.
  4. Carefully pour pureed tomatoes into sauteed garlic. Oil may splatter, so don't pour from above the pan.
    penne alla vodka greatest tomatoes from europe pot with sauce
  5. Stir tomatoes, garlic and oil until they come to a low boil. Add basil, salt and crushed red pepper. Bring to a boil for 3 minutes. Add vodka reducing heat. Stir.
  6. Add cream and mix. Add butter and blend. Add pasta to pot. Stir to combine. Add parsley.
    penne alla vodka greatest tomatoes from europe with cream
  7. Take pot off heat. Add parmigiana reggiano cheese saving 1/4 cup to sprinkle across the top of each individual serving. Enjoy!

Notes

Notes:
You can use fresh basil instead of dried if you want. 
The red pepper flakes are optional but add some dimension to the dish.