YUM! PASTAAAAAA

November 5, 2013

I am not one to share a lot of recipes, only because I really don't know how to cook that well.  I pretend I know how to cook and my family pretends to like what I cook but I'm really not that awesome.  BUT... I do have this one meal that I cook pretty well, the entire family loves it and we eat it way too often so I thought it was the perfect meal to share :-)

I got it out of the Food Network Magazine back in 2011 and I love it because not only is it super easy and fast to make it tastes wonderful!  You can make it into an almost all organic meal for very little cost.  I say almost because I'm not sure if there is organic vodka (???)

Just know that my sloppy cell phone picture taken in my dimly lit kitchen doesn't do the meal justice.



Ingredients

Penne Pasta (Bionaturae Organic Penne)
2 Shallots (from our garden)
Butter (organic valley)
Garlic (from our garden)
Crushed Tomatoes (we use whatever  organic brand Valley Natural Foods has available).
Vodka (whatever brand is the least expensive - can you tell I know nothing about vodka)
Heavy Whipping Cream (organic valley)
Parmesan Cheese  (organic valley)
red pepper flakes (optional since I've tried with and without and not noticed their contribution to the taste) 
Basil (on the list but I don't add it because my hubby hates basil)

Cook 2 minced shallots in a skilled with butter over medium heat until slightly softened, 3 minutes.  Add 1 minced garlic clove and a pinch of red pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds.  Remove from the heat.  Add 1/2 cup of vodka, a 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes and some salt.  Simmer, stirring, 7 minutes.  Stir in 2/3 cup heavy cream and simmer until thickened, 3 minutes.  Stir in 1/2 cup grated parmesan and a handful of torn basil.  Toss with 12 ounces cooked penne.

I've changed the recipe a little, I add about 4 small shallots and I use about 4-5 cloves of garlic (we love shallots and garlic), which creates a stronger taste and a chunkier sauce but either way (my way or the original recipe) it tastes very yummy!


Epicure68 said...

Great recipe for this time of year Michelle! And I'm sure you're a better cook than you let on.

There are organic vodkas on the market, so you could make this a totally organic meal.

Michelle said...

Thanks Monica! I will look for it the next time I have to pick up vodka :)

Teresa Robeson said...

This does look super yummy! I think hubby makes something very similar…but I don't pay attention to how he cooks it since I'm not interested in cooking…just eating. ;)

Unknown said...

Hey, Christine here. Hop e things are going well. Just wanted typically to know I think about you guys a lot. Your sis is always in my prayers.

Carrie Garvin said...

Sounds like a great recipe! I'm really not the cook either, or at least not anymore.

I found it's hard to cook for two-

Michelle said...

Sorry I didn't responsd sooner Christine and Carrie. I haven't looked at this blog for a couple weeks - been so busy.

Christine,

It is great to hear from you! I hope you and your family are doing great and that all is wonderful with your art, etc...

Carrie,

Give the recipe a try, I think you'll like it. Very simple and my husband is a very picky eater and it happens to be one of his favorites :)