Penne pasta with tomato-vodka sauce

Ingredients:

• 350 g penne pasta
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil + extra for drizzling
• 1 large shallot or half a small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 can 800g of canned whole tomatoes. Pour the tomatoes into a saucepan and crush them with your hands.
• 3/4 cup vodka
• 3/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese + extra for sprinkling (optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil

Preparation:

1. In a large saucepan, fill with water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. Set aside 1 cup of the pasta water and discard the remaining water. Drizzle the pasta with olive oil, toss, and set aside.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, vodka, pasta liquid, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 12-15 minutes. Stir in the cream and simmer for another minute.
3. Add the cooked pasta, the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, grated cheese, and parsley to the sauce. Cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt to taste. Divide among bowls and sprinkle with cheese.