Vodka Sauce...minus the vodka

This is originally a Rachael Ray recipe...her 'You Won't Be Single for Long Vodka Cream Pasta'.
Sometimes I include the vodka, sometimes I leave it out...depending on if we have some in the house...but it's delish either way.

What you need:
~1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
~1 tbsp butter
~2 cloves garlic, minced
~2 shallots, minced (i usually just use an onion)
~1 cup vodka (optional)
~1 cup chicken stock
~1 can crushed tomatoes (32 oz.)
~salt and pepper to taste
~1 lb cooked pasta (penne is a good one)
~1/2 cup heavy cream

What you do:
~heat a large pan and add oil, butter, garlic, shallots
~sautee until shallots have softened
~add vodka
~reduce vodka by half (about 3 min.)
~add chicken stock, tomatoes
~bring to a bubble then reduce to a simmer
~season with s&p
~stir in cream and return sauce to a bubble
~remove from heat and toss with pasta

What you can do:
~i like to toss in peas or mushrooms for a change of pace sometimes
~sausage is delish, also....i used some meatballs this last time and they went along well

and of course....some nice crusty bread to slop up that sauce is a must!

ENJOY!