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
• for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until the fat is rendered and just beginning to brown, about 4 minutes.
3. Add the onions and crushed red pepper and saute until soft and slightly caramelized, about 6 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the tomatoes and stir well to combine.
6. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring.
7. Add the vodka and cook until slightly reduced, 3 to 4 minutes.
8. Add the peas and cream, and cook, until thickened, about 2 minutes.
9. Remove from the heat and stir in the basil.
10. Cook the pasta in the boiling water until just al dente, about 2 minutes.
11. Drain in a colander.
12. Add to the pasta sauce, and toss to combine.
13. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan, if desired.