Penne with Vodka Cream Sauce

This meal turned out very yummy, but was bit time consuming to make... I felt like I was in the kitchen a lot with this one, but that could have been because I was also making refrigerator pickles, cleaning and freezing blueberries and cutting up watermelon all at the same time! :) Definitely a keeper, especially on those nights where I don't want to have to bust out any meat for supper! Sorry for the horrible picture, but enjoy the recipe!


Penne with Vodka Cream Sauce
(recipe found in Taste of Home Healthy Cooking)

1 large onion, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (one 28 ounces, one 14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes
1/4 cup vodka
1 package (12 ounces) whole wheat penne pasta
2 teaspoons prepared pesto
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoon all purpose flour
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese

In a large saucepan, saute onion in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in tomatoes and vodka. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30-35 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, cook penne according to package directions. Stir pesto, salt and pepper flakes into tomato mixture. In a small bowl, combine flour abnd cream until smooth; stir into pan. Add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until slightly thickened. Drain penne; serve with sauce. Sprinkle with cheese.