PENNE ALLA VODKA

Total Time

Prep Time

Cook Time

In the Rotation

40 minutes

5 minutes

35 minutes

Any time of year

Chances of setting off a fire alarm is low. 

Ingredients

Yield: 4-6 servings 

4 ounces unsalted butter

1 small yellow onion, diced

1 shot vodka

1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes

1 cup heavy cream

kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 pound/box penne pasta

Parmesan cheese, for serving

Directions

Step One
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the onion and cook until soft, 3 to 4 minutes.

Step Two
Add the vodka and cook until evaporated, about 2 minutes.

Step Three
Add the tomatoes and cook 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 11 minutes.

Step Four
Add the heavy cream and cook 5 minutes more.

Step Five
Drain pasta and transfer to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat. Season with salt and pepper and divide among bowls. Top with parmesan cheese and parsley to serve.

In the Rotation

A collection of adapted recipes that avoid setting off the smoke alarm in small apartments. From the curated list of the favorite meals that enter into the rotation of Will Scheideler and September McCarthy.

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