Pasta With Fire-Roasted Vodka Sauce

The recipe below puts canned tomatoes to good use—the fire-roasted variety in particular. If you haven't tried them, you must as they lend a welcome smoky flavor for this time of year. And because the recipe is meatless, it's perfect for those observing Ash Wednesday, the official start of Lent. A splash of vodka and heavy cream finish off the hearty sauce, making it great for cold March days, and parents thinking beyond Chef Boyardee. Recipe Source: Relish Mag

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 1  cup  diced onion
• 3⁄4 cup  diced carrot
• 1⁄3 cup vodka
• 14 1⁄2 ounces diced fire-roasted tomatoes
• 14 1⁄2 ounces  diced tomatoes with garlic
• 1  cup water
• 1  tablespoon tomato paste
• 1  teaspoon sugar
•  kosher salt
•  pepper
• 1⁄4 cup heavy cream
• 6  cups  hot  cooked penne

Directions

1. In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and carrot; cook, stirring occasionally, 4 minutes or until onion is softened. Add vodka and remaining ingredients except cream and pasta; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes. Add cream. Serve over pasta.