Penne Ala Vodka

This is easy and elegant, just a little time consuming.

• Ready In: 1 hr 5 mins
• Serves: 8
• Yields: 8

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 lb pancetta, finely diced
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 1  tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1  medium  white onion, finely chopped
• 3  cups tomato sauce or 3  cups tomato puree
• 1  tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 2  cups heavy cream
• 1⁄4 cup vodka
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 1  lb penne pasta
•  grated parmesan cheese, for garnish

Directions

1. Heat heavy cream over medium low heat, uncovered, while you complete the following steps; it should reduce by about half.
2. In a large skillet, over medium high heat, combine olive oil, butter and pancetta; cook pancett until it begins to crisp and brown, about 5 minutes; remove and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium low and cook onion until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add tomato sauce and simmer 20 minutes.
5. Add parsley, vodka, reduced cream and simmer another 20 minutes.
6. Return pancetta and cook another 10 minutes; season to taste with salt and pepper.
7. Meanwhile cook pasta according to package directions, drain well.
8. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.