Healthy Penne alla Vodka

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• 1 c cauliflower, (cut into small chunks)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 c cauliflower, (cut into small chunks)
• 12 oz whole wheat penne pasta, (dry)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 12 oz whole wheat penne pasta, (dry)
• ½ tsp olive oil
  Ingredient note

  Source: ½ tsp olive oil
• 2 oz pancetta or bacon, (minced about 2 Tbsp)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 2 oz pancetta or bacon, (minced about 2 Tbsp)
• 4 each garlic cloves, (minced)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 4 garlic cloves, (minced)
• ½ c vodka
  Ingredient note

  Source: ½ c vodka
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  Ingredient note

  Source: 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• ¾ tsp salt
  Ingredient note

  Source: ¾ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  Ingredient note

  Source: ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ c milk
  Ingredient note

  Source: ½ c milk
• 1 Tbsp fresh basil, (chopped or 1 tsp dry)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 Tbsp fresh basil, (chopped or 1 tsp dry)
• 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, (chopped or 1 tsp dry)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, (chopped or 1 tsp dry)

1. Place the cauliflower in a small saucepan with ¼ cup of water. Heat the cauliflower over medium heat and cook for 10 minutes, until very soft. Set aside.
2. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add pasta and 1 tsp of salt. Simmer, uncovered, for 7-9 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat the oil in a deep sauté pan. Add pancetta or bacon and sauté 2 minutes. Add garlic. Sauté 1 min.
4. Add vodka and stir well, letting it simmer for 1 minute.
5. Add tomatoes, salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Simmer over medium low heat, uncovered, 5-7 min to thicken the sauce.
6. While the sauce is simmering, place the cooked cauliflower into the bowl of your food processor. Add 1/2 c milk, slowly, and process until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining.
7. Add the cauliflower mixture to the simmering tomato sauce. Let the sauce return to simmer and remove from the heat.
8. Add drained pasta to the sauce and mix well to coat.
9. Top with parsley and basil.