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Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Alla Vodka

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pounds red bell peppers
  • 1 pound pasta such as rigatoni
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3–4 ounces pancetta diced
  • 4 medium shallots diced, about 1 cup
  • 1 cup heavy cream room temperature
  • 3 cloves garlic minced or grated
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked chile flakes
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 3/4 cup vodka
  • 1–1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt plus more to taste
  • Burrata or parmesan to garnish
  • Flaky sea salt to garnish
  • Basil to garnish

Instructions
 

  • Char peppers on grill, under broiler, or over gas stovetop on high, rotating every 3 to 5 minutes until skin is completely blackened, about 15 to 20 minutes total. Once charred, move to a bowl, cover tightly with cling wrap, and set aside until peppers are cool enough to handle.
  • Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add pasta and cook 1 to 2 minutes less than the recommended cooking time. Drain and set aside, rinsing with cold water to prevent sticking.
  • Warm olive oil in a large high-walled skillet or saucier over medium heat. Add pancetta and cook, stirring often, until fat is rendered and pancetta begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Add shallots and pinch of salt and sauté for 5 to 10 minutes, continuing to stir regularly.
  • Remove skins, stems, cores, and seeds from peppers, rinsing briefly to remove leftover skin. Add peppers and any liquid to a blender. Pulse several times, add cream, and puree until smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes, and set aside.
  • Once shallots are softened and translucent, add garlic, tomato paste, chile flakes, and paprika. Stir constantly, until fragrant and brick red, about 2 to 3 minutes. (If garlic begins to burn, reduce heat. If mixture is sticking, add a splash of olive oil.) Add vodka and cook until reduced by half and slightly thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add red pepper mixture and stir. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, stir, and adjust as needed, adding 1⁄4 teaspoon at a time. Add pasta and cook, about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring to thoroughly coat. Serve topped with burrata or parmesan, flaky sea salt, and basil.