– 8 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta – 3 tablespoons olive oil – 1 tablespoon butter – 4 cloves garlic – 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional – 1/4 cup tomato paste – 1/4 cup vodka – 1 cup heavy cream
Heat oil and butter over medium heat until butter is melted. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until aromatic.
Add tomato paste and cook until paste darkens in color, 3 to 5 minutes. Add vodka and whisk to combine.
Turn heat to low and whisk in the cream.
Whisk until sauce is smooth, uniform in color, and heated through.
Add ¼ cup of pasta water and cooked pasta to the sauce.
Mix well and dish into bowls. Top with basil and Parmesan if desired, and enjoy!