How To: Make penne alla vodka

For a delicious and simple pasta dish, try this recipe for a meal that's sure to please even the toughest critics.
You Will Need
* 1 lb. penne pasta
* 4 tbsp. butter
* 1 chopped onion
* 2/3 c. vodka
* 2/3 c. tomato puree
* 1 c. heavy cream
* 1/2 tsp. salt
* 1/4 tsp. black pepper
* 3/4 c. grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
* A large pot
* A large bowl
* A deep 12-inch skillet
* 1/4 lb. cooked, chopped ham (optional)
* Hot sauce (optional)

Step 1
Heat a large pot of water for the pasta.

Reserve some of the pasta water to dilute your pasta sauce.

Step 2
While the water is heating, melt the butter in the skillet over low heat. Add onion and cook for five minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3
Slowly stir the vodka into the skillet. Bring the vodka to a simmer, and cook for four minutes.

Step 4
Add the tomato puree, heavy cream, salt, and pepper to the skillet, and continue simmering for an additional five minutes, until the onion is soft.

Stir in chopped, cooked ham and two or three drops of hot sauce to add an extra kick to your sauce mixture.

Step 5
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain, and set it aside in a large bowl.

Step 6
Pour the sauce mixture from the skillet over the penne pasta. Sprinkle the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese over the top, toss everything together, and serve immediately.

Fact: Russian vodka production dates back to the ninth century, when it was used primarily as a medicine. It also served as a key ingredient in gunpowder for muskets.