Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb pasta (Shells, Orecchiette, or Penne)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small shallot, finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vodka (optional)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh basil and extra Parmesan for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook until it is just al dente, following the package instructions. Before draining, carefully scoop out at least one cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced shallots and cook until they become translucent and soft, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic brown or burn.
- Add the tomato paste to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up and stir it into the oil. Cook the paste for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns a deep, dark red color. This process removes the raw metallic taste and creates a sweet, concentrated flavor base. Stir in the red pepper flakes and vodka (if using) at this stage.
- Pour in the heavy cream and whisk or stir vigorously until the tomato paste and cream are fully emulsified into a smooth, orange-hued sauce. Lower the heat and add the butter, stirring until it melts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta and the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Pour in about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together over low heat, adding more pasta water a tablespoon at a time until the sauce is glossy and clings perfectly to every piece of pasta.
- Divide the pasta into bowls. For the Christmas holiday look, garnish generously with fresh green basil leaves and a dusting of white Parmesan cheese to mimic snow. Serve immediately while hot.
- Cook Time: 25 minutes