Penne with Vodka Sauce

Have ordered this out but had never made it so thought I'd give it a try.  This makes a great side dish with just about any entree, the sauce has a little bite to it and was very easy to make.  As usual I made a few adjustments and combined a few recipes to get the taste I thought I wanted.






Penne with Vodka Sauce

Ingredients:

1/4 c butter
1 med onion chopped fine
1 head of garlic
1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4-1/2 tsp dried red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
3/4 c vodka
3 oz tomato paste (the tube style is more intense if you have it use that)
15 oz can tomato sauce
1 cup 1/2 & 1/2  (they called for heavy cream but I always substitute down with dairy)
1/4 c fresh grated Romano cheese
1 lb penne pasta (I used whole grain, extra fiber)

directions:

First slice garlic head off drizzle with olive oil wrap in foil and roast in oven till softened, squeeze out garlic & mash.

Melt butter in medium pan over medium heat, add onion saute till translucent, add rest of ingredients including mashed garlic down to 1/2 & 1/2 and simmer for 10-15 min till flavors meld.  Just before ready to serve stir in 1/2 & 1/2 bring back to temperature then stir in cheese till blended.  Serve over penne, top with additional cheese.

simmering

stir in cream, don't let it boil but bring heat back up

stir in cheese

Enjoy!