Spicy Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka

 This is the best vodka sauce that I've ever tried and it is so damn good, addicting. Definitely a keeper in our house. 

Spicy Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka

(Source: Half Baked Harvest)

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 shallot, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1-2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 cup tomato paste

1/4 cup vodka

3/4 cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought

kosher salt and black pepper

1 cup heavy cream or canned coconut milk

1 pound short cut pasta

3 tablespoons salted butter

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

1/4 cup fresh basil roughly chopped

 Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. When the oil shimmers, add the shallot, garlic, and oregano. Cook until the shallots begin to caramelize, about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, add the tomato paste and red pepper flakes, cook 4-5 minutes, until thickened. Stir in the vodka, cook another 2 minutes. Stir in the pesto and cream. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm over low heat. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, remove 1 1/2 cups of the pasta cooking water. Drain. To the vodka sauce, add the pasta, 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, and the butter, tossing until the butter has melted. Add the parmesan and basil. If needed, thin the sauce with additional pasta cooking water. Divide the pasta among plates and top with basil and cheese. Enjoy!