Vodka Cream Pasta

Rachael Ray kind of annoys me, but I love this recipe. It tastes great and it's simple to make. You only need to cut up some shallots and garlic - the rest of the ingredients you just throw into the skillet.

Rachael Ray's "You Won't Be Single For Long" Vodka Cream Pasta

Serves 4

1 T extra-virgin olive oil, once around the pan in a slow stream
1 T butter
2 cloves garlic
2 shallots
1 cup vodka
1 cup chicken stock
1 32 oz can crushed tomatoes*
coarse salt and pepper
16 oz pasta such as penne rigate
1/2 cup heavy cream
20 leaves fresh basil, shredded or torn

Heat a large skillet over moderate heat. Add oil, butter, garlic and shallots. Gently saute shellots for 3-5 minutes. Add vodka to the pan (3 turns around the pan in a steady stream will eual about 1 cup). REduce vodka by half, this will take 2 or 3 minutes. Add chicken stock, tomatoes. Bring sauce to a bubble and reduce heat to simmer. Season with salt and pepper.

hile sauce simmers, cook pasta in salted boiling water until cooked to al dente (with a bite to it). While pasta cooks, prepare your salad or side dishes.

Stir cream into sauce. When sauce retunrs to a bubble, remove it from heat. Drain pasta. Toss hot pasta with sauce and basi leaves. Pass pasta with crusty bread.

*I can never find a 32 oz can of crushed tomatoes so I usually add a bit of tomato sauce to makeup the difference.