Penne with Vodka Sauce

This is one of hubster’s favorite things to order in restaurants and bikini season is approaching (YES!), so I searched Cooking Light for a Vodka Sauce recipe.  Low and behold… I found one!  It was delish, though next time I’ll reduce further to thicken the sauce.

Penne with Vodka Sauce
Cooking Light (modified)

Ingredients:
1/2 pound uncooked penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup vodka
1/4 cup fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1/4 cup whipping cream
3 tablespoons sliced fresh basil

Directions:
- Cook pasta according to package directions, ommitting salt and fat.
- Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add onion and saute 4 minutes until tender.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon slat, pepper, and garlic; saute for 1 mintue.
- Remove from heat and add vodka; bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes or until liquid reduces by 1/2.
- Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, broth, and tomatoes; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 8 minutes.
- Use immersion blender or transfer sauce to blender and process until smooth.
- Stir in cream and cook for two more minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat.  Stir in cooked pasta, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and basil.
- Serve immediately.