1. Prepare Ingredients: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil.
2. Saute Sauce: Heat olive oil and butter in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add chopped shallots and saute for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (optional), cook for 30 more seconds before adding in tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomato paste slightly darkens. Reduce to a simmer, add the vodka and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Add some pasta water to the sauce to reach desired consistency. Simmer for 5 more minutes. To save time, use your favorite jarred vodka sauce instead!
3. Cook Banza: While the sauce cooks, add Banza Brown Rice penne to boiling water and cook according to package directions.
4. Finish Penne Alla Vodka: Take sauce off heat and slowly add in the heavy cream and parmesan to avoid curdling. Mix until well-combined and then add Banza Brown Rice penne. Top with chopped basil or parsley and more grated parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Additional notes: Want some more added protein? Include ½ cup of room-temperature, full-fat whipped cottage cheese. Ensure this has completely reached room temperature and is added slowly to avoid curdling! If you add cottage cheese, you can reduce the heavy cream to 3 tbsp.

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