BLUSHING PENNE PASTA

Blushing Penne Pasta image

I reworked this recipe from an original that called for vodka and heavy whipping cream. My friends and family had a hard time believing a sauce this rich, flavorful and creamy could be light. -Margaret Wilson, Hemet, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) penne pasta
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups half-and-half cream, divided
1/2 cup white wine or reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided

Steps:

In a 6-qt. stockpot, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; return to pot., Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, heat butter over medium heat; saute onion until lightly browned, 8-10 minutes. Add herbs and salt; cook and stir 1 minute. Add 1 cup cream, wine and tomato paste; cook and stir until blended., Mix flour and remaining cream until smooth; gradually stir into onion mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup cheese. Stir into pasta. Serve with remaining cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 335 calories, Fat 10g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 34mg cholesterol, Sodium 431mg sodium, Carbohydrate 47g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 12g protein.