Lightened Up Pasta with Vodka Sauce

Lightened Up Pasta with Vodka Sauce

I've replaced the butter with olive oil and reduced the cream in this over the traditional version to make it a little less guilt laden. Serve with a green salad or roasted asparagus or broccoli for a quick, vegetarian dinner.

-1 box penne pasta, cooked to al dente
-2 Tbsp olive oil
-1 onion, diced
-4 cloves garlic, minced
-3/4 cup vodka
-1 (29 oz) can tomato puree
-1 1/2 tsp salt
-1/2 tsp pepper
-1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
-1/2 c heavy cream
-1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Heat oil in medium to large pot, over medium heat. Add onion, saute 5 minutes stirring often. Add garlic, saute 1 more minute stirring constantly. Add vodka, simmer 3 minutes, stirring intermittently. Add tomato puree, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Simmer 5 minutes. Stir in cream, remove from heat, toss pasta with sauce and top with parmesan cheese.