Instructions: This quick pasta has a luscious, rich sauce. Use as many kinds of mushrooms you can find, such as button, shiitake, oyster, portobello

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the shallot and garlic. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes, or until the shallot is softened. Add the mushrooms, salt and pepper to taste.

Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes, or until the mushrooms have released some of their moisture.

2. Meanwhile, bring a stockpot of lightly salted water to a boil over high heat and cook the penne according to package directions. Before draining the pasta, reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water.

3. Add the cherry tomatoes, vodka and red pepper flakes to the mushrooms.

Stir well to mix. Raise the heat to medium and bring to a medium boil.

Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Combine the milk and flour in a bowl and whisk to blend. Stir into the mushroom mixture. Cover and cook, stirring frequently, for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.

5. Add the reserved cooking water and the cooked penne. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently. Stir in the grated cheese if desired. Taste for seasonings.

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