Penne alla Vodka with Bacon

By Gazelle

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp e.v.o.o.
• 1/4 lb pancetta or bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 or 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 small fresh chili pepper, seeded and chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1/2 cup vodka
• 1 cup stock
• 1 can plum tomatoes, 28 once
• a few leaves of basil, torn
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 lb penne rigate
• grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

Details

Servings 4
Adapted from rachaelray.com

Preparation

Step 1

Heat the EVOO in a Dutch oven or deep skillet. Add the pancetta, guanciale or bacon and crisp at the edges, 2-3 minutes. Add the onion, garlic, bay, chili pepper and thyme; cook to tender. Add the tomato paste, stir for 1 minute, then add the flour and stir for a minute more. Add the vodka, then the stock, tomatoes and basil. Break up the tomatoes and simmer.

Add the cream and cook for 30 minutes at a gentle bubble.

Cook the pasta to al dente in salted boiling water; reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water. Drain the pasta, then toss with the sauce and the starchy cooking water. Remove from the heat, toss with a handful of cheese and serve.