Kicked Up Pasta Rags with Vodka Sauce

Ingredients

1/4 pound bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 cups finely chopped yellow onions
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup fresh or frozen green peas
1 cup vodka
1 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup chopped basil
4 sheets fresh pasta, (about 1 pound) torn into rags about 3-inches by 1-inch each
Grated parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

In a skillet cook the bacon over medium-high heat until the fat is rendered and just beginning to brown, about 4 minutes. Add the onions and crushed red pepper and sauté until soft and slightly caramelized, about 6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and stir well to combine. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring. Add the vodka and cook until slightly reduced, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the peas and cream, and cook, until thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the basil.

Cook the pasta in the boiling water until just al dente, about 2 minutes. Drain in a colander. Add to the pasta sauce, and toss to combine. Serve immediately with grated parmesan cheese (if desired).

Yield: 4 servings