Pumpkin Vodka Sauce Penne

Ingredients:
  • 2 packs of Roma Penne
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1/2 cup of chopped basil
  • 1/2 cup of chopped scallion
  • 2 tablespoons of butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic, crushed
  • 1/4 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup of tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup of vodka
  • 1 cup of pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup of grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 1/4 cup of heavy cream
  • Small pinch of nutmeg
  • Salt to taste
Preparation:
  1. Cook the pasta as instructed on the package. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. In a large straight-sided skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Melt the butter and add scallion, onion, and garlic, and cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are softened but not golden, 6 to 8 minutes.
  3. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until slightly darkened in color and toasted, about 2 minutes.
  4. Pour in vodka and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vodka is reduced by about three-quarters, about 2 minutes. Stir in pumpkin puree, parmesan, water, cream, nutmeg, and salt until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth and combined.
  5. Add pasta to the skillet. Add 1/2 cup pasta water, stir to combine, and bring to a boil. Add pasta and stir until pasta is well coated with sauce, adding more pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time if necessary to thin the sauce; season with salt and red pepper flakes.
  6. Serve and sprinkle parmesan and some basil on top.
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