Penne a La Vodka With Broccoli

Some added ingredients make this tastier than the traditional recipe. source: family circle

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1  lb penne pasta
• 2  heads broccoli, florets only (about 8 cups)
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 1  medium onion, finely chopped
• 6  ounces Canadian bacon, cut into 1/2-inch dices
• 1⁄3 cup vodka
• 1 (28 ounce) can whole tomatoes, broken up with a spoon
• 2  tablespoons tomato paste
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1⁄2 cup  fat-free half-and-half
• 1⁄2 cup  grated parmesan cheese
• 1⁄2 cup basil leaves, torn

Directions

1. Bring large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook following package directions.
2. Add broccoli florets during last 4 minutes of cooking.
3. Drain and reserve.
4. While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat.
5. Add onion and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add Canadian bacon and vodka and cook 2 minutes.
7. Add whole tomatoes with liquid, tomato paste, salt and red-pepper flakes.
8. Simmer, covered, 10 minutes.
9. Stir in half-and-half, 1/4 cup of the cheese and half of the basil.
10. To serve, toss penne and broccoli with sauce and top with remaining cheese and basil.