1-First, boil salted water and cook 8 ounces of penne pasta al dente according to the package instructions. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the 1/2 small finely chopped onion for about 5 minutes until it softens or lightly browns.

2-Next, add 1 clove of minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in 1/4 cup of vodka and let the sauce bubble for about 30 seconds to blend the flavors. Stir in 1/4 cup of tomato paste until the mixture is smooth, and add 3/4 cup of heavy or whipping cream.

3-Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce warm through and thicken for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix in fresh sliced basil if desired. Finally, toss the drained pasta with the sauce, adding a splash of hot pasta water if needed to thin it out, and serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese if preferred.