Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 -4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons tomato paste ( plus 4 tbsp. water)
3 tablespoons vodka
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
salt
freshly ground white pepper ( to taste)
1 lb penne, uncooked
Directions:
Cook pasta in boiling salted water for 8-9 minutes or until al dente; drain and keep warm.
Melt butter in a large deep skillet or frypan.
Add the red pepper flakes and garlic, and saute until fragrant.
Add the tomato paste and stir in the water, mixing well.
Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add more water if needed to prevent sticking, but mixture should be fairly dry before adding cream.
Add the vodka, and simmer 3 minutes.
Stir cream into sauce, and when hot, add parmesan cheese.
Add cooked penne to pan, and toss with sauce to coat pasta.
Place on serving platter and serve with additional grated parmesan, if desired.
Servings: 4-6
Time preparation: 20 min.
Time total: 40 min.