Pasta With Vodka Cream Sauce (Light)

From Cooking Light.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 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 flakes
• 1  garlic clove, minced
• 1⁄2 cup vodka
• 1⁄4 cup  reduced-sodium fat-free chicken broth
• 1 (14 1/2ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1⁄4 cup  whipping cream
• 3  tablespoons  thinly sliced fresh basil

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain and keep warm.
2. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion to pan; sauté 4 minutes or until tender. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt, pepper, and garlic; sauté 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 teaspoon salt, broth, and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 8 minutes.
3. 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 lid (to avoid splatters). Process until smooth.
4. 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 teaspoon salt, and basil. Serve immediately.