====== Vodka Pasta ======

===== Ingredients =====

  * 8 oz. pancetta or bacon, chopped
  * 1⁄2 yellow onion, diced
  * 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
  * 1⁄2 cup vodka
  * 1 28-oz. can crushed tomatoes
  * 3⁄4 tsp. Kosher salt, plus more for boiling pasta
  * 1⁄4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  * 1 cup heavy cream
  * 1 lb. pasta (penne, elbow, or other tube-like pasta)
  * Basil leaves, julienned
  * Parmesan cheese, for garnish

===== Instructions =====

  - In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the pancetta or bacon over medium-high heat. 
  - Add in the onion and sauté until softened (about 8 minutes). 
  - Add in the garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). 
  - Pour in the vodka and stir to scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the pan.
  - Turn the heat to medium-low and add in the crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
  - Remove the lid and simmer another 5 minutes.
  - Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a pot of heavily salted water until al dente (about 8 minutes).
  - Drain and rinse with cold water.
  - Slowly pour the cream into the tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Simmer another 5 minutes. 
  - Add the cooked pasta to the tomato sauce, stir, and cook another minute. 
  - Gently stir in the basil. Serve with Parmesan cheese.