Penne Alla "not-Ka"

This recipe is a low fat version of Penne alla Vodka from the Cooking Thin tv show on Lifetime

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 4
• Yields: 4

Ingredients

• 2  teaspoons olive oil, plus extra for serving
• 3  garlic cloves
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped red onion
• 3⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes or 1 (14 ounce) can  whole tomatoes with juice, pureed in a food processor
• 1  pinch red pepper flakes
• 8  ounces penne
• 1⁄4 cup heavy cream
• 6  tablespoons  evaporated nonfat milk
• 1⁄3 cup  grated parmesan cheese
• 1⁄4 cup  shredded fresh basil
• 1⁄8 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the penne.
2. 2. In a large saucepan, heat the 2 teaspoons oil with the garlic over low heat until the garlic begins to brown, about 3 minutes. Add the onion and 1/4 teaspoon salt, cover, and cook until the onion is softened, about 2 more minutes. Add the tomato, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat and simmer very gently 10 minutes. Stir in the cream and evaporated milk and simmer 1 more minute.
3. 3. Meanwhile, after the sauce has cooked 5 minutes, add the penne to the boiling water and cook until just shy of al dente, about 6 minutes. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup pasta water. Add the drained penne to the saucepan and simmer until the penne is al dente, 1 to 2 minutes, adding a little of the pasta cooking water if the mixture is dry. Stir in 1/4 cup of the Parmesan, along with the basil and black pepper.
4. 4. To serve, divide pasta among 4 serving bowls. Drizzle each serving with 1/2 teaspoon olive oil, and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan.