• Gather the ingredients so you have everything close at hand on the counter or table.

Prepare the Ingredients

• Using a sharp knife and cutting board, dice the sweet onion. Mince the garlic.
  1/2 cup sweet onion, 2 tablespoons garlic
• If you are using whole tomatoes, go ahead and hand crush them in a large bowl.
  28 oz whole tomatoes
• Using a fine-edged zester, grate the parmesan cheese. You’ll need a cup, plus extra for garnish.
  1 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

Make the Tomato Cream Sauce

• Over medium-low heat, melt the butter along with the extra virgin olive oil, and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until onion is translucent.
  1 tablespoon butter, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Stir in the tomato paste, granulated sugar, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the tomato paste to caramelize and darken.
  2 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• At this point, you may want to blend the crushed tomatoes and onion mixture to make a smooth puree. This step is optional, depending on your preference of sauce texture.
• Transfer the sauce back into the pan and stir in the vodka. Heat on medium-low and bring the mixture to a low boil. Reduce heat to simmer, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce has reduced.
  1/4 cup vodka

Prepare the Pasta and Finish the Sauce

• While the sauce simmers, go ahead and cook the pasta in boiling salt water, according to package directions, and cook just minutes before al dente, as the pasta will continue to cook when you add it to the tomato sauce.
  16 oz penne pasta
• Once the sauce has reduced by about 1/4, stir in the heavy whipping cream, and then the grated parmesan. Allow this to simmer for another 5-7 minutes until thickened as desired. Season the sauce with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  1 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water to use in the sauce. Add the pasta to the sauce and carefully stir to combine until pasta is well coated. Simmer on low for an additional 1-2 minutes, adding pasta water, if needed.
• Garnish pasta with more grated parmesan and fresh basil. Serves 6-8.
  2 tablespoons fresh basil