Penne with Vodka Sauce & Capicola

Ingredients

• 12 ounces whole-wheat penne
• 1 2-ounce piece capicola
• 1 small onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup vodka
• 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup half-and-half
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4-1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• Freshly ground pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook penne until just tender, 12 minutes or according to package directions.

2. Meanwhile, cook capicola (or pancetta) in a large saucepan over medium heat until crisp, about 4 minutes. Drain on a paper towel.

3. Return the saucepan to medium-low heat; add onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent, about 1 minute. Increase heat to high; add vodka and bring to a boil. Boil until reduced by about half, about 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, half-and-half, Worcestershire sauce and crushed red pepper to taste; reduce to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 10 minutes.

4. Drain the pasta; serve topped with the sauce and sprinkled with the capicola (or pancetta), basil and pepper.