You Won't Be Single For Long Vodka Cream Pasta

                                You Won't Be Single For Long Vodka Cream Pasta

Every year for Valentines Day I have posted something sweet but this year I am posting a dinner.

They say a way to a mans heart is through his stomach but It is also a way to a womans heart as well and you can trust me on that one!

So I went on a search for the perfect dinner to make for your intended loved one.

I found the orginal recipe for this meal on Food Network, by Rachael Ray.

I liked the sounds of it but knew what she chose to use was more expensive that the average person was willing to pay for a single meal. But then again we are survival cooks on a budget.

I made some basic changes that would bring down the cost while not impacting to any degree the taste. Here is the recipe I came up with:

You Won't Be Single For Long Vodka Cream Pasta

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, once around the pan in a slow stream
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2  onion minced
1/2 cup vodka
1 cup chicken stock
1 small can crushed tomatoes 
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
8 ounces pasta, such as penne rigate
1/4 cup heavy cream
5 tablespoons of dried  basil
Crusty bread, for passing


Directions
Heat a large skill
et over moderate heat. Add oil, butter, garlic, and  onions. 
Gently saute onions for 3 to 5 minutes to develop their sweetness.
 Add vodka to the pan, 3 turns around the pan in a steady stream will equal about 1 cup.
 Reduce vodka by half, this will take 2 or 3 minutes.
 Add chicken stock, tomatoes.
 Bring sauce to a bubble and reduce heat to simmer. Season with salt and pepper.
While sauce simmers, cook pasta in salted boiling water until cooked to al dente 
Add salt, pepper,and some vodka to the water.
Stir cream into sauce.
 When sauce returns to a bubble, remove it from heat.
 Drain pasta.
 Toss hot pasta with sauce and basil 
 Pass pasta with crusty bread and salad and enjoy!