Biggies' Penne a la Vodka

This pasta is freaking YUM! My lil brother Biggies introduced it to me and Kurt probably 4 years ago. At the time he was planning on becoming a chef so we'd invite him to dinner, buy the groceries he needed, and he'd make us a delicious meal (all while completely destroying my kitchen with dirty dishes!!)! Pretty good deal if you ask me. The first time my brother made this he just did the pasta itself and made an unbelievable pork tenderloin to go with it. Since Kurt and I live on a bit of a budget we usually add chicken to the dish instead. Now, as many times as I've tried to replicate my brother's dish, it just never tastes as good as his does. I can only chalk that up to the fact that he probably left an ingredient out so that I've got to keep inviting him over for dinner! 

Biggies' Penne a la Vodka is a simple dish with simple ingredients and it will feed a group. Pretty much everything that I look for in a meal. Oh yeah, and did I mention it's totally YUM yet?! There is red pepper flakes added to this and you can adjust to how spicy you like it. Lately I've been adding a little more red pepper because the kick of spice really adds to the dish. Do what will taste good to you but just promise me you'll make this! Added bonus: it tastes better the next day after the flavors have melded together more!

My  brother Biggies and his fiance Anna

Biggies' Penne a la Vodka

Source: My brother Biggies

Ingredients:

1 lb. penne noodles

28oz can whole peeled tomatoes (I used diced tomatoes to save time)

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 onion, finely chopped

1 cup heavy cream

1-2 shots of vodka

herbs de provence

salt & pepper 

Directions:

1. Add pasta to boiling water. Cook 11-12 minutes to al dente, drain.

2. In a big pot/pan, lightly saute the garlic and onions until they start to sweat. Add tomatoes, cover, and cook for about 5-7 minutes. 

3. Remove cover and crush the tomatoes with your spoon. Add herbs de provence, salt, and pepper and let simmer for a few minutes.

4. Add pasta and stir. Remove from heat and add about 1 cup of heavy cream, stir to combine. Add vodka, stir, cover, and let sit for a few minutes to let flavors meld. 

***I do usually add cubed and cooked chicken after I crush the tomatoes. My brother has also cooked a pork tenderloin and served that on the side.