Penne Alla Vodka

Directions

1. 1
   Puree half of the tomatoes in a food processor until smooth (about 20 seconds).
2. 2
   Chop the remaining tomatoes into 1/2 inch pieces, discarding the cores. Combined the pureed and diced tomatoes in a liquid measuring cup (about 1 2/3 cups). Add the reserved liquid to equal 2 cups.
3. 3
   Bring 4 quarts water to a boil in a large pot for the pasta. Add 1 tablespoon salt and the pasta to the boiling water. Cook, stirring often, until the pasta is almost al dente.
4. 4
   Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and tomato paste and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is light golden around the edges (about 3 minutes).
5. 5
   Stir in the garlic and pepper flakes and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
6. 6
   Stir in the tomatoes and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the vodka.
7. 7
   Return the saucepan to medium heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until the alcohol flavor has cooked off (8-10 minutes).
8. 8
   Stir in the cream and cook until hot (about 1 minute).
9. 9
   Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, drain the past, and return it to the pot.
10. 10
    Stir in the sauce and toss to combine. Cook over medium heat until the pasta absorbs some of the sauce (about 1-2 minutes). You can thin the sauce with the reserved pasta cooking water if needed.
11. 11
    Stir in the basil and serve. Pass grated Parmesan cheese separately for extra flavour!
12. 12
    Slice and add baked chicken on top (optional).