Girl's Night & Vodka Pasta

Last week I was having the worst. day. ever. By the end of the day I was near tears due to the sheer frustrations of the day. However, I had to hold it together because I was having a few of my girls over for a last minute dinner. This recipe has been one I've wanted to try forever. It is definitely to be used for special occasions or rare treats only! The recipe is from Rachel Ray and it's called "You Won't Be Single For Long" Vodka Cream Pasta. I know. Love it. 

This recipe was simple and delicious. I was nervous because I haven't used any type of alcohol including wine in cooking so I followed the directions EXACTLY just to be sure. It turned out perfectly. I saved a plate for Leigh and he loved it too.After a nice dinner with the girls, I felt much, much better.Wine also helped. :-P

Vodka Cream Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, once around the pan in a slow stream

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 shallots, minced

• 1 cup vodka

• 1 cup chicken stock

• 1 can crushed tomatoes (32 ounces)

• Coarse salt and pepper

• 16 ounces pasta, such as penne rigate

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (Couldn't find this so I used whipping cream, apparently the same thing)

• 20 leaves fresh basil, shredded or torn (forgot this at the store so I used dried)

• Crusty bread, for passing
• 
  Directions:

Heat a large skillet over moderate heat. 

Add oil, butter, garlic, and shallots. Gently saute shallots for 3 to 5 minutes to develop their sweetness. Add vodka to the pan, 3 turns around the pan in a steady stream will equal about 1 cup. Reduce vodka by half, this will take 2 or 3 minutes. 

Add chicken stock, tomatoes. Bring sauce to a bubble and reduce heat to simmer. Season with salt and pepper.

While sauce simmers, cook pasta in salted boiling water until cooked to al dente (with a bite to it). While pasta cooks, prepare your salad or other side dishes.
Stir cream into sauce. When sauce returns to a bubble, remove it from heat. Drain pasta. Toss hot pasta with sauce and basil leaves. Pass pasta with crusty bread.