Cherry Tomato Penne alla Vodka

Difficulty Level: Easy

Total Time: 30 minutes

Serving Size: 1-2 servings

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Cherry tomato penne alla vodka topped with creamy stracciatella cheese, chili flakes and basil. A quick, easy and satisfying pasta dish!

Ingredients:

• 1/3 lb. penne or other short pasta

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes

• 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp. tomato paste

• 2 tbsp. vodka

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

• 4 oz. stracciatella

• Salt to taste

• 1 tbsp. Italian parsley, finely chopped

• Crushed red chili flakes

• Basil for garnish

• Pasta water as needed

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

2. Once the water comes to a boil, add plenty of salt. Cook the pasta until it's al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.

3. Meanwhile, add the cherry tomatoes, olive oil and salt to taste to a sauté pan. Simmer over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, until the tomatoes begin to burst.

4. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a further 1-2 minutes. Then stir in the tomato paste and add the vodka to deglaze.

5. Stir in the heavy cream.

6. Strain the pasta and add to the sauté pan with the cherry tomato sauce. Toss on medium heat. Add pasta water as needed.

7. Plate and top with stracciatella, parsley, basil, chili flakes and a drizzle of olive oil.