Penne alla Vodka (Without Vodka!)

Step 1

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add pasta, stir to prevent sticking, and cook for about 2 minutes less than the package suggests -- we will finish cooking the pasta in the sauce

Step 2

Meanwhile over medium heat in a large skillet, head 2 tablespoons of olive oil until shimmering. Add the onion and crushed garlic (along with a generous pinch of salt) and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent and the garlic is very lightly browned, about five minutes. Add the chilli flakes, if using, and cook for a further minute or two.

Step 3

Add the tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the paste darkens in colour slightly and becomes sticky, Add a ladle-full of pasta water (about 60ml) to loosen the sauce and deglaze the pan.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and pour in the cream. Stir until well combined with the tomato paste sauce.

Step 5

Drain the pasta, reserving some of the pasta cooking water. Add the pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add more pasta water if necessary until the desired sauce consistency is met. Taste a noodle to see if it is cooked thoroughly, then turn off the heat. Add the parmesan cheese and toss to combine.

Step 6

Portion the pasta into bowls and garnish with a bit more parmesan and some basil leaves.