Spicy Vodka Pasta

Ingredients

• 1/2 White Onion
• 1 Clove Garlic
• Olive Oil
• 2 Tbsp Butter
• 2 Calabrian Chili Pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
• Salt
• Pepper
• 125 g Tomato Paste
• 2 Basil Leaf
• 2 Shots Vodka
• 300 ml Heavy Cream
• 1/2 lb Pasta
• 100 g Parmigiano Reggiano
• Parsley

Directions

1. Finely chop white onion. Use a food processor if needed.
2. Slice garlic clove. Can use minced garlic if necessary.
3. Grate Parmesan cheese. Separate out 3/4 and 1/4. Do not use the Parmesan shaker cheese.
4. Slice the top off chili peppers and slice in half. Do not remove the seeds.
5. Heat up and generously salt pasta water
6. Place 1/2 of butter and large drizzle of olive oil In stainless steel pan, wait for butter to melt. Medium High Heat(5-6).
7. Add onions to the pan and allow to sweat for 3-4 minutes.
8. Add garlic, chili pepper, red pepper flakes(1-2 tsp based on desired heat) to pan. Stir frequently to avoid burning garlic. Cook for 2 minutes.
9. Add in tomato paste and basil if using. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
10. Deglaze pan with vodka. Cook off alcohol. 3 minutes.
11. Add heavy cream and stir until sauce is uniformly orange. Lower heat until gently bubbling. (3-4)
12. Add pasta to water and cook until al dente. Do not over cook, it will finish cooking in sauce. Reserve 1-2 cups of pasta water before draining.
13. Add pasta and one ladle of pasta water(about 1/2 cup) to sauce. Stir to incorporate.
14. Once pasta is cooked, add 3/4 of grated parmesan to pasta and a splash of pasta water to dish. Stir to incorporate.
15. Remove from heat, add one tbsp of butter and stir until incorporated.
16. Serve topped with remaining parmesan and parsley

Notes

Serves two people two bowls and one small lunch portion