This Pasta Alla Vodka recipe will be a definite keeper. Pasta is tossed in a tomato vodka sauce that's deliciously creamy and kicked up with a sprinkling of red pepper flakes.
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and cook for 3-5 minutes, until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds longer, until fragrant. Pour in vodka, increase the heat to medium-high and reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.
Add in crushed tomatoes, bring to boil and reduce to a simmer. Simmer about 10 minutes, while the pasta cooks.
While sauce simmers, add your pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente. 1 - 2 minutes less than called for on the package directions. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
To your sauce, add the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste. Add the pasta and stir to combine. Add pasta water, if needed, to thin the sauce a bit.
Top with fresh basil and additional parmesan cheese, if desired. Drizzle with olive oil to finish.