Penne in a Creamy Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1/4 pound bacon, diced (optional)
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled and halved
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1/2 cup vodka
• 2 Tomatoes pureed
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper or chilli flakes
• Salt, to taste
• 1/2 cup cream
• 2 cups of penne pasta
• A small bunch of fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons)

Method:
Bring water to a fast boil, add salt and cook penne as per instructions (usually 6 to 8 minutes).In a large saute pan on medium heat, cook and render fat from the bacon
Once the bacon is almost crisp, add olive oil and garlic and saute
Add the onion and saute until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the vodka and let it reduce by half, then add the tomatoes, red pepper, and salt.
Simmer the sauce uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally
Add the cream and simmer another 10 minutes.
Remove the sauce from the heat, add the basil and the cheese, and stir well.
Pour the sauce over the pasta and mix gently until the pasta is coated completely.
Serve immediately.

Source: http://homecooking.about.com/od/pastarecipes/r/blpasta48.htm