Penne a la Vodka

1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 small onion chopped 3 cloves garlic finely chopped 1/2 tsp hot pepper flakes (or to your taste) 28 oz. can tomatoes, undrained, chopped 1 cup whipping cream 1/4 cup vodka salt and pepper penne noodles 1/4 cup parmesan cheese 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (optional)

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in onion, garlic and hot pepper flakes and cook approx. 4 minutes or until softened but not brown. Add in the tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer approx. 10 minutes or until thickened. Add cream, vodka, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer 5 min. Cook penne noodles. Stir pasta into sauce and turn heat off and let stand on element approx. 5 minutes. Serve topped with parmesan cheese and parsley.

I cook the tomato sauce on the stove longer than the 10 minutes to allow it to thicken and the flavor to enhance. It will depend on how liquid the tomatoes are. This is a recipe from Auntie Paula.