Recipe Thursday! Penne A La Vodka!

The Mr is an incredible chef. Most of the week I meal plan and he executes, with flair I might add! This week he made Cilantro Ginger Flank Steak, Herb Mushroom Chicken (thanks to Adventures Of A southern Newlywed who I copied the meal planning from!!) and last Penne (or in this case Ravioli) A La Vodka. Such a yummy recipe.

Notice the sprig of basil to make it look more restaurant style.
He served it with a Ceasar salad! Divine! We had extra sauce for left overs!

 Ingredients: (make this in half if you don't want extra sauce!)


 2 Tbsoons butter
2 Tbspoons olive oil
1 onion chopped
1-2 bunches of basil cleaned and de-stemmed (use organic so much better!!)
4 garlic cloves minced
2 doz sliced mushrooms
2 large cans whole peeled tomatoes or 20 plum tomatoes (peeled and seeded)
1/4 cup vodka (can leave it out)
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
16 oz penne or other pasta


In skillet melt butter and oil. Add onion and garlic and saute for 5 minutes. Add mushrooms. Add basil, tomatoes, and vodka. Simmer 15-20 minutes. The set aside.
Cook pasta.
Puree entire mixture adding in heavy cream. Pour over pasta and serve!

In other news I am loving the Real Housewives of New Jersey! I want to try some recipes from Theresas Book, Skinny Italian! Do you have it? Is it any good?