PENNE A LA VODKA

Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook 1 pound penne pasta until al dente. Reserve some pasta water and set aside before draining noodles.

• Sauté: In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter and add 3oz chopped prosciutto, cook until crispy then remove from pan and set aside. Add 1 large finely chopped shallot to pan and cook until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes.

• Stir in 3 tablespoons of tomato paste with onions and garlic, cooking for a few minutes until it darkens.

• Pour in 3/4 cup Journey Distilled Vodka, allowing it to simmer and reduce by half.

• Add 28oz can of crushed tomatoes, stirring to blend ingredients and let the sauce simmer 15-20mins.

• Reduce heat to low and stir in one cup heavy cream. Add 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted into sauce. Re-incorporate prosciutto into sauce.

• Add cooked penne to the sauce and toss until coated evenly. Gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.