1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the 3 cups of penne pasta according to box directions. As the pasta is cooking, carefully reserve 1 ladle of water.

2. While the pasta is cooking, begin making the vodka sauce. In a medium pan over medium heat melt the butter then add the grated garlic and cook 1 minute. Add the flour and whisk until combined, cook about 30 seconds. Add the tomato paste and stir to incorporate with the flour…cook another  minutes. Add the half & half and gently whisk to blend the tomato paste into the cream. Then, add the vodka and basil. Bring to light boil, then reduce heat and add the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Simmer for 8-10 minutes. If the sauce begins to thicken too much, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time.

3. To serve, add the penne pasta a little at a time to the sauce until you have the consistency you like. Serve into bowls, top with extra chopped basil and extra Parmesan cheese.