Step 1

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions. When draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2

While pasta is cooking, add olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add shallot or onion and cook until it begins to soften, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about one minute.

Step 3

Add tomato paste and stir. Let cook for 3-4 minutes until it's starting to brown/caramelize a bit.

Step 4

Stir vodka into sauce and let cook for about 1 minute.

Step 5

Add heavy cream, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper and stir to combine. Remove from heat.

Step 6

Add cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and butter to skillet and toss to coat pasta in sauce. Stir in parmesan cheese.

Step 7

Serve pasta topped with additional parmesan and chopped basil.