Penne with Vodka Cream Sauce

No more Prego!  Try this homemade vodka cream sauce with penne.  You will think you forgot something this recipe is so easy.  I have had this recipe for 10 years now and its one of my favorites.  Use a decent brand of vodka.  A cheap vodka will ruin this sauce.  If you can get San Marzano tomatoes you will notice a sweeter and less acidic taste. 

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 shallots, minced
1 cup vodka
1 cup chicken stock
1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes, cento or san marzano brand 
Coarse salt and pepper
16 ounces pasta, such as penne rigate
1/2 cup heavy cream
20 leaves fresh basil, chiffonade
Parmesan cheese freshly grated

Heat a large sauce pan over medium heat.  Add the olive oil and butter.  Once the oil is hot add the shallots and cook for about 2 minutes before adding the garlic.  Cook the shallot and garlic for an additional 1 minute.

Add the vodka and reduce heat to medium low.  Reduce down until there is about 1/2 cup of liquid left.  Add the chicken stock and crushed tomatoes.  Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper.

In the mean time cook your pasta according to direction on the box.  Turn the heat off of the sauce and add the heavy cream.

Stir the cooked pasta into the sauce and garnish with basil and Parmesan cheese. 

Recipe adapted from Rachel Ray