What's for dinner tonight: Penne Alla Vodka

Here is the recipe for the yummiest, most delicious, incredible, superbly creamy best tasting sauce you will ever taste.  *If you make it and hate it, please don't tell me... it would break my heart. 

Originally from my dad who originally got the recipe out of Carmines family style cookbook.  Dad made some changes to the original recipe and I go with and agree with his changes.  Here is our recipe.

Penne Alla Vodka

1/4 C. EVOO (Or extra virgin olive oil)
1/2 of a small yellow onion- thinly sliced
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh garlic
2 Tablespoons dry basil leaves
1 Tablespoon dry parsley
1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes (or if you don't like spicy- omit it)
1/4 C. Vodka
24oz Bertolli brand vineyard marinara sauce
1/2 C. Heavy cream
1 box Penne pasta
1/2 C. grated Romano cheese
1 C. grated mozzarella cheese
Salt and Pepper to taste

1.  In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.  Add the onions, cook them, stirring 2-3 minutes or until they begin to soften.  Add the garlic and cook the mixture another 2-3 minutes, be careful not to let the garlic burn. 

2. Add the basil, parsley and red pepper flakes.  Stir and cook the mixture for about a minute. 

3.  Remove the pan from the heat and add the Vodka.  (stand back a little because sometimes alcohol can flame) Return the pan to the heat and cook the sauce for 2 minutes. 

4.  Add the marinara sauce and simmer for a few minutes.  Add the cream and bring the sauce to a boil.  Boil it for 3 minutes or so or until the sauce starts to thicken, stirring occasionally. Cover it up and keep it warm while the pasta cooks.

5.  Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for about 7-9 minutes or until done. 

6.  Drain the penne pasta well.  Keep warm in large pot.  Stir into the sauce 1/2 C. of grated Romano cheese and season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle the sauce over the noodles, **melt mozzarella cheese over top and enjoy!!!!!! 

**If you have oven proof bowls or plates its best to melt mozzarella in the oven until it turns brownish but if not, melt in the microwave for 30 seconds or so....




Enjoy your family~