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Pasta with Pink Vodka Sauce

Source of Recipe


Geppetto's Pizzeria






List of Ingredients



• 1/2 cup butter
  
• 1 cup ground pancetta (Italian-style bacon)
  
• 1 Tbsp freshly minced garlic
  
• 1 Tbsp freshly minced shallots
  
• 1/4 cup vodka
  
• 2 cups heavy cream
  
• 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  
• 2 lbs. pasta
  
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  
• 1/4 cup chopped basil
  
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  






Instructions



1. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter and sauté the pancetta, garlic and shallots until translucent. Deglaze the pan with vodka. (The safest way to do this is to remove the pan from the heat source and pour in the vodka. Carefully place the pan back on the heat, making sure the liquid does not come into contact with any flame.) Allow the alcohol content of the vodka to evaporate from the pan, leaving only the flavor, about 2 minutes.
   
   
2. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. When the heavy cream is reduced or slightly thickened, add your favorite marinara sauce. Bring to a simmer again and allow the mixture to reduce, or thicken, for about 5 minutes.
   
   
3. While the sauce reduces, cook your favorite pasta in a large pot of boiling water until al dente. Just before serving, add the Parmesan cheese and chopped basil to the sauce; season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the sauce to the cooked pasta, mixing well. Serve immediately with additional grated cheese, if desired.
   
   Makes 8 servings.