Penne alla Vodka

When my husband Karl and I were dating, we were big into the HBO t.v. series "The Sopranos." We began to turn our date nights into dinner dates with our college friends which involved making a dish from "The Sopranos Family Cookbook" and watching an episode from the show. As a result of these dinner nights, this recipe for "Penne alla Vodka" (with some variations from the original) became a household favorite. 

Sauce: 

2 tbs. unsalted butter

2 large garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped 

1/2 a small yellow onion, finely chopped 

4 oz. Pancetta, finely chopped 

1, 28oz. can good quality whole peeled tomatoes,

1, 14oz. can petite diced tomatoes 

1/2 c. half and half or heavy cream 

1/4 c. vodka 

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes 

Salt and Fresh ground black pepper to taste 

1, 16oz. box Penne pasta 

1/2 c. fresh grated Parmesan cheese 

Optional: 
Grilled Chicken Strips or Grilled, Sliced Italian Sausage

• In a large skillet, heat butter over medium high heat to melt. 
• Once hot, add onion and pancetta; saute until onion is softened and pancetta is crisp (about 5 minutes.) 
• Meanwhile, in a food processor or blender, pulse whole tomatoes to chop. 
• Add garlic and cook until fragrant (1 minute.) Reduce heat to low. 
• Add chopped tomatoes along with can of diced tomatoes to skillet (do not drain diced tomatoes.) Stir to combine. 
• Add crushed red pepper flakes and stir to combine. Simmer 5 minutes. 
• Add half and half to skillet and stir to combine. Cook 5 minutes. 
• Add vodka and stir to combine. Cook 5 minutes. 
• Season to taste with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low. 
• Cook pasta according package directions in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Reserve a 1/4-1/2 c.  of pasta water if sauce appears thick.
• Drain pasta and if necessary, add reserved pasta water to sauce. 
• Stir to combine. 
• Toss pasta with vodka sauce and 1/2 c. parmesan cheese. Serve hot. 
• If desired, add grilled chicken or grilled Italian Sausage slices to pasta.