Gluten Free Vodka Pasta

A lot of the time when I am eating with someone, I get the, "Wait! That has gluten!"  I have to quickly explain that no rice does have gluten in it.  For a quick guide, here are some common foods that do not contain gluten.  Foods that DO NOT contain gluten:

Alcohol (avoid real ale, beer, lager and stout) 

Beans

Butter 

Candies (just check, but most do not... Twizzlers do!)

Cheese (except for blue)

Chicken

Chocolate 

Coffee (unflavored) 

Corn

Corn meal

Cornstarch 

Cream 

Eggs

Fish 

Fruits (all)

Honey

Ice cream

Juices 

Meat 

Milk

Millet 

Nuts

Nut Butters 

Oils 

Pickles

Polenta

Powdered sugar 

Rice (brown and white)

Rice cakes 

Seeds

Soy 

Sugar

Tea

Quinoa

Vegetables (all)

Vinegars

Yogurt

Well the AC is back on and we are up and cooking!  Thank goodness, I was just beginning to get antsy not being able to use the kitchen.  Today, a favorite recipe of mine...vodka pasta.  True, the only part of regular vodka pasta that has gluten is the pasta, but it is a delicious way to use some brown rice pasta if you have some!

Gluten Free Vodka Pasta 

Ingredients:

1 16 oz bag brown rice penne or rigatoni pasta (gluten-free)

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 tablespoon olive oil 

2 shallots, minced

2 garlic cloves, minced 

1 cup vodka 

1 32-ounce can crushed tomatoes

1 cup chicken stock 

1/2 cup cream

parmesan cheese, grated (for garnish)

basil (for garnish) 

salt and pepper 

Instructions:

Heat oil and butter in saucepan over medium heat. 

Mince shallots and garlic.

Add minced shallots and garlic and saute over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes until shallots are soft and sweet. 

Stir in vodka and reduce by about half. 

Heat salted water for pasta. 

Add crushed tomatoes to reduced vodka mixture. 

Add chicken stock. 

Stir to combine.  Bring to a boil, reduce and let simmer.  Salt and pepper to taste.  

Add pasta to boiling water, stir, and cook according to directions on package. 

Stir cream to tomato sauce mixture.  As soon as sauce comes to a boil, remove from heat. 

Toss sauce in cooked and drained pasta 

Top with parmesan cheese and minced basil. Enjoy!

Note: I tossed roasted aspargus pieces into mine for a little veggie!