Recipe For Penne Alla Vodka

This recipe is an altered version of Rachel Ray's You Won't Be Single For Long Vodka Cream Pasta recipe. Serves 4-6.

INGREDIENTS:
4 cloves garlic minced
1 whole shallot minced
28oz crushed tomatoes
1 cup vodka (not the cheap stuff)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 to 3/4 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp red pepper flakes
salt and pepper to taste
fresh basil leaves
1 lb penne or your favorite pasta
*Optional - add grilled / rotisserie chicken

DIRECTIONS:
-Heat large saucepan over low-medium heat
-Add butter, oil, garlic, shallots & cook until you can smell the aroma, approx 3-5min (brown slightly)
-Add vodka to the pan and reduce the amount to half, approx 3-5 min
-Add chicken broth and crushed tomatoes
-Return the sauce to a bubble and then reduce it to a simmer
-Add red pepper flakes, salt and pepper
-Let simmer for 45 min for the sauce to thicken and blend
-Add the heavy cream starting with 1/2 cup first and add more depending on desired creaminess/color and bring back to a simmer.
-Remove from heat
-When serving, top with some fresh basil leaves.

*Note: I did not have the heavy cream on hand last time and used 2% milk instead. I brought it to room temperature first. While the sauce was not as creamy it was still thick and delish!