Penne with Vodka Sauce

Vodka sauce is a pinkish sauce made from a red sauce, vodka, cream, cheese and butter. The vodka added to the sauce brings out flavor in the tomato in a basic red sauce was first used in the 80's. At the time it was all the rage.The taste the alcohol evaporates in cooking, but gives the sauce a peppery taste that tickles the tongue. Most recipes pair it with penne pasta. Personally I love it with the addition of either Italian sausage or meatballs

Ingredients:

• 1 quart Simple Tomato Sauce, or store-bought marinara sauce, blended until smooth
• 1 cup vodka
• ½ cup heavy cream, at room temperature
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 pound penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened butter

Preparation

1. Simmer the tomato sauce and vodka in a heavy large skillet over low heat until the mixture reduces by ¼, stirring often, about 20 minutes.
2. Stir the cream into the tomato and vodka sauce.
3. Simmer over low heat until the sauce is heated through.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and butter until melted and well blended.
5. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm, stirring occasionally, about 8 to10 minutes.
6. Drain the pasta and add it to the pan with the sauce.
7. Toss to coat.