Vodka Pasta

Oolala's Note:

From Guita Martorana in a community style cookbook that I was going through. I love vodka pasta.

• Total Time: 30 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 1/4 cup butter
• 7 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup vodka
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• fresh black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 lb prosciutto, cut into small pieces
• 1 pint heavy cream
• 2 lbs rigatoni pasta, uncooked
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated (to taste)

Directions:

1. Brown minced garlic in the butter and simmer 2-3 minutes.
2. Add vodka and simmer for 5 minutes or until liquid is reduced by half.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes and chopped basil.
4. This can be made ahead up to this point.
5. A half hour before serving, add prosciutto and heavy cream.
6. Cook pasta to al dente; drain and coate with Parmesan cheese.
7. Pour vodka sauce over pasta, mix and serve.