Spiked Linguini - The Dish That Started This

It was 6pm and my dinner plans for the night cancelled. I sent the standard text to J  asking what we were going to eat hoping for once he would have a craving. (Something to know about J, he never cares what we eat. EVER...and I am indecisive. Good combo) We finally agreed on pasta. I know one recipe thanks to Lindsay and I had just made it last week (will save for another post) . Feeling adventurous I went to Pinterest and found 6 Bitter Sweets.

Here is one of Xiaolu's staples slightly modified:

Spiked Linguini

Serves: 1-2

Cook time according to Xiaolu: 45 mins

Cook time according to Rachel: 1 hour 25 mins (there was a minor blender incident. See below)
How difficult was this for Rachel to make? Slightly complicated, but so delicious.

Cookware needed: large skillet, boiling pot for pasta, blender

Ingredients:                                                                

1/2 pound linguini
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup finley chopped onion
3/4 tsp salt, divided
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup vodka
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes undrained
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
3 tbsp thin;y sliced fresh basil
shaved or grated parmesean cheese for garnish   


Directions
Cook pasta according to package. Drain & keep warm.
While pasta is cooking:
Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat
Add onion & saute 4 minutes or until tender
Add 1/4 tsp salt, pepper & garlic. Saute 1 minute
Add 1/2 cup vodka (disclaimer, alcohol can be very flammable!)
Bring to a boil
Reduce hear & simmer for 3 minutes or until liquid is reduced by about half
Stir in scant 1/2 tsp salt (I had to look up what scant meant. Means, just under the directed amount), chicken broth & entire can of tomatoes
Bring to a quick boil
Reduce heat and simmer 15 mins
Remove skillet from heat and let cool slightly

Should be NO sauce where blade goes

Place tomato mix in blender (this is where I had some issues see right)       
Remove center piece of blender lid (to allow steam to escape)
Place clean towel over the opening to avoid splatters
Process until smooth
Return tomato mix to pan

Mix in 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
Cook sauce for 2 mins over medium heat stirring constantly
Remove from heat and pour into pot with pasta
Mix in basil and cook for 2 mins
Remove pasta from pot and serve immediately

Enjoy!