18 September 2007

Pasta with Vodka Cream Sauce

Pasta with Vodka Cream Sauce
Our first walk for the fall season starts tonight with our "Steps Out" program. We will hike and walk in many of the parks and hiking trails in our area for the next 9 weeks on a different day each week. It gives me a chance to meet other people in our community who enjoy pole walking, plus the additional bonus of getting some exercise and fresh air after a long day at work. I felt like a fish out of water when I first started walking with poles, but, more and more people are getting into it here. The poles allow me to walk straight with good posture as well as propel me up those hills. Without someone to drag me out on walks quite often I will procrastinate until it is absolutely impossible to walk. I have so many "excerscuses" that it is very sad!!!!! Our first walk is very close to home, but supper will have to be quick and easy.



I quite often make this simple and tasty sauce for pasta. The dish uses canned tomatoes and broth for convenience, but, it tastes fresh with the addition of basil stirred in in the end and topped with grated or shaved Parmesan cheese. Rachel Ray has a similar dish that she calls "You Won't Be Single for Long Pasta". Who wouldn't like a pasta with a name like that!!! It puts a smile on your face!!! But that doesn't mean you can't eat it if you are happily and blissfully married. The "proof is in the pudding" because Rachel is happily and blissfully married (despite what you hear in the tabloid press).

I am also entering this pasta into the fray at Presto Pasta Nights this week with Ruth over at Once Upon a Feast . Every week she has a roundup with so many wonderful pasta recipes submitted by all of you. I remember her wonderful pasta dishes even before I knew anything about blogs or food blogging.

**Pasta with Vodka Cream Sauce**

1/2 lb uncooked penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup vodka
1/4 cup far-free, less sodium chicken broth/or vegetable broth for you vegetarians out there
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1/4 cup whipping cream
Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated

Cook the pasta according to the package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain and keep warm.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion to pan; saute 4 minutes or until tender. Add 1/4 tsp salt, pepper, and garlic; saute 1 minute. Add vodka; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 3 minutes or until liquid is reduced by about half. Stir in 1/2 tsp salt, broth, and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 8 minutes.

Place tomato mixture in a blender. Remove center piece of blender lid (to allow steam to escape); secure blender lid on blender. Place a clean towel over opening in blender (to avoid annoying splatters) Process until smooth.

Return tomato mixture to pan; stir in cream. Cook 2 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

Stir in cooked pasta, remaining 1/4 tsp salt, and basil. Serve immediately sprinkled with shaved Parmesan cheese.

Serves 4

You are reading this post on More Than Burnt Toast at http://morethanburnttoast.blogspot.com. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author/owner of More Than Burnt Toast. All rights reserved by Valerie Harrison.
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18 comments:

  1. A classic that's simple but long on flavour...looks great as well!

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  2. I've got my eye on this - it looks divine. Great photo!

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  3. I remember seeing the episode of Rachael Ray where she made the "You Won't Be Single for Long Pasta." Your version looks delicious!!

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  4. Vodka cream sauce!! I am sold and will wait for cold Winter day for trying this yummy!:)
    Enjoy your hike.

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  5. Nice yummy quick dinner.
    I have been seeing more folks walking with the poles, even here in Key West where there are no hills! You comment about the poles keeping you walking erect. That is an excellent idea, as when I am walking if I pass a window, I sometimes notice that I look sort of slumped over. What type or brand of poles do you have?

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  6. This is one of my favorite meals to order at a little pasta place close to my work, but I've never thought to try to make it myself!

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  7. You really remind me that I need to try this recipe out. I have heard a lot about it, but never tasted it!

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  8. I'm a sucker for vodka sauce, Valli! Love the pasta!

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  9. my first time here...you have a nice blog going on here.....the pasta looks awesome too

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  10. Pasta with vodka cream sauce is great. Nice and simple and tasty.

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  11. Yummy!

    Hey, check out sept 18 post on my other blog..http://bakingdelights.com
    I think you will find a couple of the links familiar.. :)

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  12. Deb. My walking poles go with me everywhere.They don't have a brand name I don't think but you can check at www.keenfit.com
    I couldnn't walk without them anymore. They are an extension of my arms.
    Thanks guys. I love thjsi pasta, so simple and quick!!!
    I will check out baking delights Marye!!!

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  13. I have a similar recipe on my blog and it was delicious as well. I don't think it came from Rachael Ray, though, I got it from a friend who got it from another friend.

    That sounds like an interesting walking program. I'd really like to get out more, maybe I'll look for something like that.

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  14. what a great blog you have here, valli. have added you to our blogroll. this vodka creams auce is a classic. thanks for the recipe.

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  15. Mmm pasta sauce with vodka. I made a lemon vodka cream sauce before and it was so very tasty. Yours sounds and looks good too! I'm saving the recipe. :)

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  16. Thanks guys!!!!
    You should definitely look into a walking program Kelly. I alwaus feel like I have accopmplished something when I've walked 10,000 steps.
    Thamks for adding me to your blogroll Bee. I am honoured!
    The lemon addition sounds really refreshing Eat Me. I will have to look for the recipe on your blog!!!

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  17. I'm adding vodka to my list, and I will be good to go with this recipe...I love quick and delicious, especially as you said, on busy evenings when there isn't enough time left in the day to get into long, drawn out recipes. Much better to enjoy those walks in the beautiful early fall weather. :-) Its a lovely time of year that just passes by too quickly.

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  18. Great post, excellent dish - what more can I say, except thanks for sharing it with Presto Pasta NIghts.

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Welcome to my home. Thank you for choosing to stay a while and for sharing our lives through food. I appreciate all your support, comments, suggestions, and daily encouragement.

Val

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