PENNE ALA VODKA

By jarren

Ingredients

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 1 cup reserved pasta water
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 6 oz pancetta or bacon, minced
• 1 small yellow onion, minced
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/4 cup vodka
• 2/3 cup whipping cream
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Basil leaves, thinly sliced

Preparation

Step 1

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook penne according to package instructions. Reserve one cup pasta cooking water prior to draining.

Meanwhile, in a large pot, heat olive oil over medium. Add pancetta, stirring occasionally, until rendered, but not browned. Add onion, cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add tomato paste;, cook, stirring frequently until fragrant and brick red, about 5 minutes. Deglaze pot with vodka. Add salt and pepper.

Stir cream into the tomato mixture until completely incorporated. Add penne to pot; stir to coat. Adjust sauce consistency with reserve pasta water. Divide pasta among shallow bowls; top with cheese and basil.