Title: Penne with Vodka and Spicy Tomato-Cream Sauce
Categories: Pasta Entree Italian Vegetable
Yield: 6 Servings

1/4	c	Extra-virgin olive oil
4		Plump fresh garlic cloves minced
1/2	ts	Crushed red peppers (hot red pepper flakes), or to taste
		Sea salt
28	oz	Can peeled Italian plum tomatoes in juice or one 28-ounce ca
1	lb	Dried Italian tubular pasta, such as penne
2	tb	Vodka
1	c	Heavy (whipping) cream
1/4	c	Fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, snipped with scissors

In an unheated skillet large enough to hold the pasta later on, combine oil, garlic, crushed red peppers and a pinch of salt, stirring to coat with oil. Cook over moderate heat just until the garlic turns golden but not brown, 2 to 3 minutes. If using whole canned tomatoes, place a food mill over the skillet and pure'e tomatoes directly into it. Crushed tomatoes can be added directly. Stir to blend, and simmer, uncovered, until sauce begins to thicken, about 15 minutes. Taste for seasoning.

Meanwhile, in a large pot, bring 6 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Add 3 tablespoons salt and the penne, stirring to prevent sticking. Cook until tender but firm to the bite. Drain thoroughly.

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss. Add the vodka, toss again, then add the cream and toss. Cover, reduce the heat to low for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb the sauce. Add the parsley and toss again. Transfer to warmed shallow soup bowls and serve immediately. (Traditionally, cheese is not served with this dish.)

Per serving: 537 calories, 12 gm protein, 64 gm carbohydrates, 25 gm fat, 11 gm saturated fat, 54 mg cholesterol, 237 mg sodium

Washington Post, 12/29/93

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