Vodka Sauce

• FAST
• MAKE-AHEAD
• STAFF-FAVORITE

Ingredients

1. 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2. 2 ounces pancetta, diced
3. 3 garlic cloves, peeled
4. 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
5. 1/4 cup vodka
6. 1 tablespoon tomato paste
7. One 35-ounce can whole peeled Italian tomatoes with their juices, crushed by hand
8. Pinch of sugar
9. 2 basil sprigs
10. Salt and freshly ground pepper
11. 1/4 cup heavy cream

1. In a large saucepan, heat the oil. Sauté the pancetta, garlic and crushed red pepper over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 5 minutes. Deglaze with vodka. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the canned tomatoes with their juices. Stir in the sugar and basil, season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Simmer the sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and is reduced to 3 cups, about 30 minutes. Season again with salt and pepper. Discard the basil sprigs and garlic. Add heavy cream and simmer for 5 minutes