Beve's Penne Alla Vodka

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1/2 small onion, chopped finely
6 slices prosciutto or pancetta, thinly sliced and cubed
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
1 Tbsp. sugar
12 oz. penne pasta
1 cup heavy cream
2 shots of vodka
1/2 tsp. crushed dried basil

Preparation:

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil.
Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and cook until soft. Add the prosciutto, garlic, salt and pepper. Cook for a minute.
Add the tomatoes and sugar and cook for about 15 minutes.
To the boiling water, add a tablespoon of salt and the penne. Cook until al dente.
Slowly and gently add the heavy cream to the sauce and fold in.

Stir vodka into the sauce.
Drain the penne and add to the sauce.
Sprinkle with basil and serve immediately.

This is a great alternative to my standard spaghetti sauce recipe that cooks slowly for 3 hours. The combination of crushed tomatoes and cream give the dish a savory blush sauce that never fails to delight even the most scrutinizing palate. Penne is also one of my favorite pastas because it absorbs the sauce inside and out. Serve this dish often, it will surely please the crowd. Great with homemade bread.

Enjoy! Elvez! Piacere! Gustirati! Radost'!