Baked Penne Vodka

Ingredients:

2 tbls butter

2 tbls olive oil

2 cloves garlic crushed

1 tsp red pepper flakes

½ cup vodka

1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes

1 ½ cup milk divided

1 16oz box penne

1 cup grated parmesan

16 oz ricotta

8 oz shredded mozzarella

Instructions:

In large sauce pan combine the butter, oil, garlic and red pepper flakes over medium low heat.  Cook stirring often until butter melts and garlic is fragrant.  Add the vodka and bring to a simmer.  Cook until reduced by one third.  Add the crushed tomatoes.  Simmer until reduces slightly.  Use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth.  Stir in ¾ cup milk.

Cook penne according to package directions minus one minute.  The pasta will continue to cook while it bakes.  Drain the pasta and add to the sauce along with the grated parmesan.  Toss to coat.

In a medium bowl combine the ricotta and ¾ cup milk.

Transfer half the past mixture to a 9X13 baking dish, top with the ricotta mixture, then add the remaining pasta, top with the shredded mozzarella.  Bake at 425 until the top is lightly browned.