Cooking this dish is as enjoyable as eating it, thanks to its straightforward process. Let’s dive into the steps:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the Trader Joe’s vodka sauce and allow it to simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Slowly add the vodka, stirring continuously to combine and cook until slightly reduced.
6. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper, allowing the sauce to thicken for about 3-4 minutes.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat each piece thoroughly.
8. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Remember, the key to this dish is balance. If you find the sauce too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water can help achieve the desired consistency.