Penne with Vodka Sauce

Penne with Vodka Sauce
Adapted from seriouseats.com

Ingredients
2 Tablespoons butter
4 small shallots, minced (about 1/2 cup)
4 medium garlic cloves, minced
1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
2 Tablespoons tomato paste
1/8 tsp red chili flakes (1/4 - 1/2 if you like your sauce spicy.)
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons vodka
1 tsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup chopped basil, divided
1 1/2 lb dried pasta, like penne
1 lb wilted spinach leaves (optional)


Directions
In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter.  Add shallots and cook, stirring, until softened and just beginning to brown, about 8 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add crushed tomatoes (with juice) and tomato paste.
Stir in chili flakes, vodka, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp sugar.
Bring to a boil over medium heat.  Reduce heat to medium low and simmer, stirring occasionally  until slightly thickened and flavors are melded, about 20 - 30 minutes.  Stir in cream and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Season to taste.
Keep warm while you cook pasta.
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain cooked pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.  Toss pasta with sauce adding pasta water until sauce reaches desired consistency. Stir in rest of chopped basil (and spinach, if using.)  Top with parmesan cheese.