Penne alla Vodka

Ingredients

• 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2/3 cup vodka
• 3/4 cup canned tomato puree
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 pound cooked ham, finely chopped
• 2 drops hot sauce (recommended: Tabasco), or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon finely ground black pepper
• 1 pound penne
• 3/4 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Directions

Melt butter in a deep 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately low heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in vodka, bring to a simmer, and simmer for 4 minutes. Add tomato puree and cream and simmer, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in ham, Tabasco, salt, and pepper. Keep sauce warm over very low heat.

Cook pasta in 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water (1 tablespoon salt per every 4 quarts water) until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water and drain pasta.

Add pasta to sauce and toss with sauce and cheese, adding some of reserved cooking water if pasta seems dry.