The Perfect Vodka Pasta

I think I've finally perfected this viral pasta! A few things to make sure you do: reserve about a cup of starchy pasta water, grate your garlic, add your seasonings with the garlic and shallot, and cook off your tomato paste. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1lb pasta of choice (reserve pasta water)

• 2T olive oil

• 2T butter

• 1 shallot diced

• 2-3 garlic cloves, grated

• 1T red pepper (to taste)

• 1-2t salt (to taste)

• 1t black pepper (to taste)

• 1t oregano (optional)

• 1 tube tomato pasta (4.5oz)

• 50ml vodka (a little less than 1/3 cup)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated

• Fresh basil and parmesan to garnish

Instructions

1. Boil your pasta in heavily salted water, 3 minutes less than package instructions. You want the pasta to finish cooking in the sauce

2. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil and 1T of butter over medium heat. Add in your shallot, garlic, and seasonings. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently.

3. Add in your tomato paste and stir. Cook for about 3-4 minutes (don’t skip this step, you need to cook off the tomato paste before adding the vodka)

4. Pour in your pasta and stir to combine. Simmer for a couple of minutes.

5. Reduce heat to low. Add in your cream and remaining butter, stir to combine.

6. Add in your cooked pasta along with about 1/2 cup pasta water. Stir for a few minutes to get that silky smooth sauce.

7. Adjust your seasonings, add in your parm, and a little extra butter. Top with more parm and fresh basil. Enjoy!