Penne With Vodka Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

1/2 cup olive oil

1/4 lb. prosciutto- chopped

1 shallot-minced

2 tsps. minced garlic

1/3 cup vodka

1 8 oz. can of tomato sauce

1 15 oz can of diced tomatoes,drained

A couple of pinches of red pepper flakes

salt to taste

1/2 pint heavy cream

1 lb. penne - cooked al dente

2 tbsp. chopped fresh Italian parsley

fresh parmesan cheese

Preparation

In a medium sauce pan- saute prosciutto in about 1 tbsp. of olive oil until slightly crispy. Add shallots and saute until translucent. Add garlic and saute about 1 minute ( don’t burn it because it becomes bitter). Add the vodka and simmer about 5 minutes to dissipate alcohol. Add the rest of the olive oil, tomato sauce, tomatoes, and red pepper and simmer on low/medium heat another 20 minutes until alcohol is completely dissipated. Add salt if desired. Slowly add cream (you may add a little more or a little less than 1/2 pint of cream to achieve desired consistancy). Heat on low until sauce is warmed through-do not boil. In a large pasta bowl, combine sauce with penne which has been cooked according to package directions. Garnish with parsley and fresh parmesan cheese.