'Nduja alla Vodka

Difficulty Level: Easy

Total Time: 30 minutes

Serving Size: 2-4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb. paccheri or any short pasta

• 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

• 1/2 shallot, finely chopped

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 6 oz. tomato paste

• 1/4 cup 'nduja

• 1/2 tsp. salt

• 1/4 tsp. sugar

• 1/4 cup vodka

• 3/4 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, finely grated

• 1/2 cup whipped ricotta

• 2 tbsp. fresh oregano

• Crushed red pepper flakes to taste

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over low heat and sauté the chopped shallot until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a further 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

2. Add the tomato paste, 'nduja, salt and sugar to the pan. Stir and let sit on medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes until the tomato paste deepens in color.

3. Add 1/4 cup of vodka to deglaze the pan. Stir until the vodka has fully evaporated, about 1-2 minutes.

4. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmigiano. Add more salt to taste.

5. Once the water is boiling, add plenty of salt. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente. Reserve 3/4 cup pasta water.

6. Strain the pasta and add it to the pan along with the vodka sauce and 1/4 cup pasta water. Toss on high heat until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. Add more pasta water as needed, 1/4 cup at a time.

7. Plate and top with whipped ricotta, oregano and crushed red pepper flakes.