Pasta in Creamy Fontina-Vodka Sauce

No wonder vodka sauce is so popular! This recipe combines so many delicious flavors, including grated Grana Padano and cubes of rich, earthy Fontina Val d’Aosta cheese. A kick of vodka swirled in a sweet tomato sauce creates a creamy, modern Italian pasta masterpiece that is sure to warm up any occasion.

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. butter
½ cup finely chopped shallots (2 large)
½ cup vodka
1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes (not puree)
½ cup heavy cream
⅛ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 lb. tube-shaped pasta (such as penne rigate), cooked al dente according to package directions
1½ oz. Il Villaggio Grana Padano cheese, finely shredded (1/2 cup), plus more, grated, for serving
8 oz. Il Villaggio Fontina Val d’Aosta cheese, diced (2 cups)
fresh basil leaves for garnish, if desired

At a glance

Recipe type: Dinner

Serves: 6

Prep time: 5 mins

Cook time: 25 mins

Total time: 30 mins

Instructions

In a very large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add shallots and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
Add vodka and simmer 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, cream and pepper flakes; bring to a simmer and cook 5 minutes.
Stir hot cooked pasta into sauce until well coated. Add Grana Padano and Fontina cheeses; stir gently. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand for 2 minutes or until Fontina had melted. Serve garnished with basil, if desired, and with additional grated Grana Padano.