Penne alla Vodka

Submitted by:  As seen on the Today Show

Ingredients

• 1 pound penne or gluten-free alternative
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, plus extra for chiffonade garnish
• Sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup vodka
• 1/4 cup raw cashews. (If you are not using a high-powered blender, soak cashews overnight or boil cashews for 10 minutes and drain. This will soften the cashews and ensure a silky smooth cream.
• 1 cup water

Directions 

• Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. 
• Add penne and cook according to package directions. 
• Drain and return to pot. 
• Meanwhile, heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. 
• Add garlic and cook about 1 minute. 
• Stir in crushed tomatoes and basil. 
• Season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
• Stir in vodka and cook 10 more minutes, stirring occasionally.

In the meantime,

• combine cashews and water in a blender.
• Process on high until very smooth, about 2 minutes. 
• Stir cashew cream into the tomato sauce and turn off heat. 
• Adjust seasoning to taste and toss with hot pasta. 
• Garnish with basil and serve immediately.g Size

Serves 4 to 6