Spicy Vodka Rigatoni

30-minute recipe (Serves 4)

INGREDIENTS:

1 shallot (finely chopped)

4 garlic cloves (finely chopped)

1 - 2 tbsp chopped Calabrian chilis

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

2 oz. vodka

4.5-oz. tube double-concentrated tomato paste

3/4 cup heavy cream

1 lb. rigatoni noodles

Mini Mozzarella pearls (for garnish)

STEPS:

1. Heat a pot of salted water to a boil

2. Peel and finely chop the shallot and garlic

3. Heat the olive oil in a dutch oven over medium head and add in the shallot. Soften the shallot for about 5 minutes, then add in your garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant

4. Add in the whole tube of tomato paste and the chopped Calabrian chilis. Cook for another 5 minutes

5. Add in the vodka and cook off the alcohol to deglaze the sauce. Reduce the head to med-low

6. Add a little hot water from the salted pot of water and stream into the heavy cream to bring up the temp.

7. Stream in the cream mixture to your sauce and incorporate, then reduce the heat to low, stirring periodically

8. Cook your pasta in the boiling water 1 min shy of the package instrcutions, and save 1 cup of the pasta water

9. Once cooked, transfer the pasta to your sauce with a slotted spoon, and add in pasta water slowly until the sauce has a creamy consistency (or to your liking)

10. Transfer the pasta to bowls and strategically place your mozzarella pearls so it looks pretty and add in basil, parmesan, or whatever you like!