3-Cheese Spicy Vodka Pasta


Ingredients:

  • 1 shallot, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 16 oz tomato sauce
  • 2 oz cream cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 16 oz pasta (I used a shape called gigli, but rotini or penne would be perfect!)
  • 1 shot vodka
  • 1/4 cup shredded sharp white cheddar or parmesan cheese
  • fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • grated parmesan for garnish
  • salt and pepper

Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Set cooked pasta aside and reserve a cup of pasta water.

Bring a pan to medium heat, and add olive oil, shallots, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, then add red pepper, salt, and pepper.

Add tomato sauce and Italian seasoning and cook for 5-8 more minutes. Add the vodka and cook 5 more minutes. Add cream cheese and cook until the cheese is melted, then repeat this with the shredded white cheddar. 

If sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water. Toss in the pasta and top it with grated parmesan and chopped basil. Enjoy!