Meghan's Rigatoni a la Vodka

Disclaimer: I don't usually measure my ingredients so these are all approximates. However unless you are baking it really is just to taste.

1 lb Rigatoni Pasta
1/4 cup diced onion
1-2 cloves of minced garlic
2 TBL EVOO or butter
1/4 cup of vodka
Crushed Red Pepper (optional)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 can of Diced Tomatoes
1/2 cup grated parmasean cheese

1. Boil pasta according to the direction on the package.
2. In a hot pan saute onion and garlic in oil or butter over medium high heat until they are tender.
3. Remove pan from heat and add vodka (if you have a gas burner this may flame up).
4. Add crushed red pepper to your desired taste at this time. I usually put in about 1 teaspoon.
5. When vodka has disolved add heavy cream and the tomatoes. Turn down heat and allow to simmer until it thickens. Usually around 5 minutes.
6. When sauce has thickened add cheese.
7. Add cooked pasta, toss and serve immediatly.

Note: I have used numerous different kinds of pasta, the ones that work best are rigatoni and penne, we also have made it with cheese tortillini which is really good but really rich. You can also add prociutto or sausauge to this. Just cook the meat before making the sauce. Also if you don't have canned tomato on hand, you can use spaghetti sauce. Also the better the vodka, the better it tastes.