One-Pot Penne Alla Vodka Pasta

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• A pinch of red pepper flakes
• 1 can (425 g) canned diced tomatoes
• 340 g of penne pasta
• 0.5 cups of vodka
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 tbsp. grated parmesan
• A handful of torn basil leaves

Preparation:

1. In a 4-quart saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 6 minutes. Add the tomato paste and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring to coat the onion, about 1 minute. Add the canned tomatoes, penne pasta, vodka, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 3.5 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has reduced by half and thickened, about 12 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in the heavy cream, half the Parmesan, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Divide the pasta among four plates and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan and torn basil leaves.
   
   Note
   
   The success of this dish depends on the specific shape of the pasta, so we do not recommend substituting penne with another pasta.