Easy Vodka Sauce

"Ingredients ¼ cup olive oil ½ shallot, finely chopped 1 small garlic clove, minced ½ cup tomato paste 2 tablespoons vodka 1 cup heavy cream 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes salt & pepper 1 pound fusilli (or your pasta of choice) 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 ounce finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (optional) Instructions Heat the 1/4 cup of oil in a large pan over medium-low heat. Add the shallot and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened (about 5 minutes). Next, add the tomato paste and cook, again stirring occasionally, until the paste is brick red and starts to caramelize (about 5 minutes). Add vodka and cook, stirring constantly this time, until liquid is evaporated (about 2 minutes). Add cream and red pepper flakes and stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper and remove from heat. Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally (until al dente). Drain, but reserve 1 cup pasta cooking liquid. Add the pasta to the skillet with sauce along with butter and ½ cup pasta cooking liquid. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly and adding more pasta cooking liquid if needed (until butter has melted, about 2 minutes). Season with salt and pepper and add Parmesan. Stir. Divide pasta among bowls, then top with Parmesan and basil (if using)."

Notesadapted from Bon Appetit