Lighter Penne à La Vodka - Bethenny Frankel

Bethenny Frankel is from The Real Housewives of New York City. She is also a natural food chef and cooks for many celebrities. I love pasta, especially when it doesn't have all the guilt attached. Enjoy!

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  teaspoon salt
• 2  cups  bottled  marinara sauce, preferably no-sugar-added
• 1 1⁄2 cups low-fat milk or 1 1⁄2 cups  plain soymilk
• 1  tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1  lb  whole-grain penne
• 1⁄4 cup vodka (inexpensive)
• 1⁄4 cup parmigiano-reggiano cheese, grated
• 1  tablespoon fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add salt when simmering.
2. Warm marinara in a saucepan over medium heat. Slowly add milk, stirring until combined. Bring to a simmer, then lower heat; simmer until sauce reduces slightly. Add crushed red pepper.
3. Add penne to boiling water. Cook until almost done; add vodka to marinara mixture, and raise heat slightly. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup cooking water.
4. In a large bowl, toss pasta with sauce and Parmigiano-Reggiano, adding some reserved water to thin sauce, if needed. Garnish with parsley, and serve.