Penne alla Vodka with Bacon

Bacon enhances the taste of classic penne alla vodka.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• 1/4 pound pancetta or guanciale or bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 small fresh chili pepper, seeded and chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1/2 cup vodka
• 1 cup stock
• 1 can plum tomatoes (28-32 ounces)
• A few leaves of basil, torn
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 pound penne rigate
• Grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

Preparation

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.